Jack in the Box worker stabbed in Winnetka; Suspect at large

WINNETKA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) – A Jack in the Box worker is recovering after he was stabbed at work in Winnetka on Tuesday morning, authorities said.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the stabbing occurred around 2:20 a.m. at the restaurant in the 6800 block of De Soto Avenue.

Police said the worker was stabbed after telling a homeless man to use the drive-thru because the restaurant was closed.

The suspect and the worker got into an argument and the worker was stabbed multiple times with a knife, police said.

The employee remains in hospital in stable condition.

The unidentified suspect fled the scene and remains at large. According to police, he was seen wearing black shorts, white and black shoes and a beige camouflage backpack. He was described as approximately 35 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Ari Ohanian, owner of nearby Sun Ray Cleaners, says there are several homeless encampments near the mall where Jack in the Box is located.

“We do have homeless people, but they are not violent,” Ohanian said. “Most of the time they are desperate, hungry or probably looking for drugs or money to get drugs.”

He says that in most cases, homeless people in the area aren’t a problem, but when a problem does arise, it can impact his business.