SAPD: Waiter at Little Red Barn Steakhouse opens fire after patron puts him in headlock

Authorities responded to a shooting at the Little Red Barn off Hackberry St. on Aug. 24, 2016. Authorities responded to a shooting at the Little Red Barn off Hackberry St. on Aug. 24, 2016. Photo: By Tyler White / Express-News Photo: By Tyler White / Express-News Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close SAPD: Waiter at Little Red Barn Steakhouse opens fire after patron puts him in headlock 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — An employee at a Southeast Side steakhouse fired a gun three times into the air Wednesday afternoon when a patron put him in a headlock during the lunch rush hour, according to police.

The shooting occurred at the Little Red Barn Steakhouse in the 1800 block of Hackberry Street at 1:10 p.m. Police said a man came into the restaurant and at some point got into an altercation with a waiter and put him in a headlock, a police sergeant said at the scene.

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The waiter then pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and fired three shots into the ceiling of the restaurant. No one was injured in the shooting, police said.

Both the patron and the restaurant employee left the scene following the shooting. Authorities are searching for the men.

The restaurant has since opened back up for business.

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SAPD spokesman Douglas Greene said the department is looking for both the employee and the patron. The customer may face an assault charge — depending on if the employee wants to press charges. The waiter may face a charge of unlawful carry of a weapon, Greene said.

Officials are still reviewing the evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Open since 1963, The Little Red Barn Steakhouse is a beloved San Antonio tradition that’s known for its farmhouse interior, wooden picnic benches, Western brands adorning the walls, live classic country music on weekends and waitresses dressed as Roy Rogers-era cowgirls.

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Staff writer Edmund Tijerina contributed to this report.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite