Customers defend restaurant after stabbing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman was released on $30,000 bond after police say she bit and stabbed several people at a Mexican restaurant in Whitehaven last Thursday.

Ejeanae Lewis, 23, is accused of assaulting employees and customers in La Cocina Mexicana Bar & Grill.

Days after the alleged attack, WREG stopped by the restaurant to speak with customers who said the incident left them in a state of shock.

“Everyone here (is) like family, so regardless of the incident that happened yesterday, it must have been their first time coming here,” said patron Frank Gottie.

Gottie told WREG that he is a regular at the restaurant and that it was difficult to hear about the stabbing that occurred last Thursday.

MPD: Woman stabs, attacks restaurant employees and customers

Lewis currently faces several charges, including assault, vandalism and public intoxication.

In the arrest report, an officer says that when they arrived at the restaurant they took Lewis into custody immediately, but she was irate, crying and sweating profusely.

A security guard told officers it all started after Lewis tried to leave with a tray.

They tried to stop her, but as they stormed out the door, Lewis allegedly pushed a group of gathered women out.

A fight ensued and Lewis allegedly pulled out a knife, stabbed a security guard, bit another guard and began kicking and hitting his vehicle.

Another woman later showed up at the hospital saying she had also been stabbed at the restaurant.

Shots fired after fight in parking lot in city center

Lewis will face a judge at 201 Poplar on Tuesday morning.

“You have to see things from two different sides,” said one woman. “How was she treated? And being how she was treated, did she feel threatened?

The woman declined to identify herself, but said there is more to the story than meets the eye.

But what she and Gottie agree on is that the incident is not an accurate reflection of the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“It’s nothing but love, the team is great, everyone is great, the people are great,” Gottie said. “You know you’re going to get sick from time to time.”

“I’m not going anywhere negative,” the woman said. “This is one of the positive places in Memphis.”

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