Man Dressed as a Zombie Allegedly Stabs Two People at Texas Coffee Shop Before Fleeing in Pickup Truck

What began as a comedy night at an Austin coffee shop turned into a terrifying scene when a man wearing zombie makeup allegedly attacked two employees. One victim suffered life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was later found miles away.

A Halloween-themed appearance took a disturbing turn at an Austin, Texas, coffee shop when a 20-year-old man dressed in zombie makeup allegedly stabbed two people during an incident that sent customers and employees into a panic. The attack happened on Wednesday evening, October 28, at Buzz Mill Coffee, located at 1505 Town Creek Drive. Police identified the suspect as Shankar Temple Grace, who was later arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the Austin Police Department, officers were dispatched to the business shortly before 9 p.m. after receiving reports of a rapidly escalating disturbance. When officers and emergency medical personnel arrived, they found two adults suffering from stab wounds. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital. One had sustained life-threatening injuries, while the other suffered injuries initially described as non-life-threatening. Police later reported that both victims were in stable condition.

The coffee shop’s owner, Jason Sabala, told CBS Austin that the incident began after staff members asked Grace to dispose of an alcoholic drink he had brought into the establishment or leave the premises. Sabala explained that the request was made because of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulations. According to the owner’s account, Grace then headed toward the back patio, where he allegedly attacked a security guard and another employee who was working sound for the comedy show. The owner said the two victims were members of the coffee shop’s team. He also described Grace as someone who regularly wore unusual makeup and costumes, including clown makeup. On the night of the incident, he was reportedly dressed as a zombie.

After the alleged stabbing, Grace reportedly fled in a pickup truck. Authorities said the vehicle was involved in a collision with an unoccupied Tesla Cybercab before officers located him on a nearby walking trail around the Rosewood Avenue and Chestnut Avenue area, approximately three miles from the coffee shop. Police took him into custody and booked him into the Travis County Jail. Investigators have not publicly confirmed what caused the confrontation or whether the suspect knew the victims before the incident.

The two injured employees have been identified in fundraising campaigns as Brian Mason and Patric Tester. Mason, who was working security, was reportedly stabbed multiple times after stepping in to help protect people during the confrontation. A fundraiser organized by a coworker said he suffered a serious neck injury, required emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, and was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit. Tester was reportedly injured while attempting to pull the attacker away from Mason. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening, although he also required hospital treatment. The campaigns were created to help both men with medical expenses, recovery and time away from work.

In the days following the attack, Buzz Mill’s owners thanked the community for its support and said their employees were safe and on the road to recovery. The incident has left the local coffee shop community shaken, particularly because the violence unfolded during an event that was supposed to be an ordinary night of comedy and entertainment. Grace remains accused of two serious felony offenses, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not announced a motive, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Source: PEOPLE