Man stabbed Jack in the Box manager 3 times after refusing to wear mask, police say

KRTK Photo via CNN Newsource

LEAGUE CITY, Texas (KTRK) — Police in League City are looking for a man they say stabbed a Jack in the Box manager after being asked to wear a face mask or leave the restaurant.

It happened on Wednesday, March 17, around 8 p.m. at the Jack in the Box located at 1503 W. League City Parkway.

Police said the suspect, 53-year-old James Henry Schulz, walked in the restaurant without a face mask and was told he needed to have one in order to be served or use the drive-thru.

“[Schulz] belligerently refused and said they did not want to serve him because he was homeless and began yelling that he would be contacting his attorney as he was filming with his cell phone,” said League City police chief Gary Ratliff during a briefing Thursday afternoon.

Surveillance video released by the police department shows the manager holding up the store’s written policy as he escorts Schulz out the door. But seconds after turning his back, Schulz steps back into the restaurant, runs after the manager and attacks him with what appeared to be a pocketknife, according to investigators.

The manager was stabbed three times in the arm and upper torso. He was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Police have also released two photos of Schulz captured on surveillance video. In the images, Schulz is seen wearing a black and red flannel long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. He’s also seen wearing a camouflage hat. Police say Schultz was also seen carrying a green backpack.

Police believe Schulz fled the scene on a bicycle with a yellow flag, that they later found abandoned. An arrest warrant has already been issued.

Meanwhile, Jack in the Box issued the following statement late Thursday night.

“Due to privacy issues and the current police investigation we are unable to discuss details at this time. We have a temporary brand standard that requires our franchisees to require their employees and guests to wear masks.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the League City Police Department at 281-332-2566.