Police: Hightstown Man Bit Applebee's Worker

An employee of the Applebee’s Grill and Bar in Lawrence was transported to a hospital for treatment Thursday after he was allegedly bitten in the arm by an intoxicated patron from Hightstown at about 5 p.m., according to Lt. Charles Edgar, a Lawrence Township police spokesman.

The suspect, a 42-year-old man from Hightstown who police have not named, allegedly became drunk and started “disturbing” other patrons in the bar area of the restaurant in the 3300 block of Brunswick Pike (Route 1), Edgar said.

He said the man was asked to leave by the management of the restaurant, but the man allegedly refused to cooperate, went into the restaurant’s kitchen and spit beer on a worker.

Edgar said the man was finally escorted outside but he then attempted to reenter the restaurant to retrieve his hat, which had apparently fallen off his head. Another employee tried to keep the man from going back inside, but the two lost their footing and fell to the ground together, he said.

While on the ground, the 42-year-old allegedly bit the employee – a 27-year-old man from Bayville – on the left bicep, causing bruising and bleeding, Edgar said. Police and an ambulance were requested by the Applebee’s staff and the employee was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment, he said.

Edgar said police took a report about the incident, but because officers did not witness the alleged biting, it will be up to the 27-year-old to decide whether he wants to sign a simple assault complaint against the 42-year-old.