New Jersey Man Stabs Bakery Owner Over Four-Year Grudge

A man from New Jersey was arrested after allegedly stabbing the owner of a local bakery over a dispute that originated four years ago. The incident took place at The Baladna Bakery in Patterson on March 7, 2024, when the customer returned to confront the owners, Abed and Mohammad Assad, about a sandwich he had been sold that contained eggplant, which he claims made him ill due to an allergy.

According to reports from ABC 7 and Fox 19, the confrontation escalated quickly. Witnesses described the customer as “knife-wielding” and aggressive as he entered the bakery. He expressed his anger over the previous incident, stating, “You give me eggplant in my sandwich and then my stomach was bothering me,” as recounted by Moneer Simrin, a friend of the victims.

The situation turned violent when the customer stabbed Mohammad in the stomach. As Abed intervened to assist his brother, he was also slashed on the arm. A nearby witness recalled hearing screams and seeing Abed bleeding from his injury. “I heard screaming, so I went outside to see one of the bakery owners outside holding his arm. His arm was bleeding,” the witness told ABC 7.

Both brothers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Hospital. As of March 10, 2024, Mohammad remained hospitalized while Abed had been discharged.

This shocking incident has raised concerns in the Patterson community. Mayor André Sayegh addressed the situation in the business district, aiming to reassure residents and fellow business owners. “They’re concerned. This type of thing does not happen in that area, so I tried to assuage some of the fears, allay their concerns and reassure them that the police department is completely focused on bringing whomever is responsible for this tragic violent incident to justice,” said Sayegh.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene on Main Street, but police have not released any further details regarding his description. The family-owned bakery has been closed since the altercation and will remain shuttered until further notice, according to reports.

The violent outburst has shocked many in the community, who view the Assads as kind and welcoming members of the neighborhood. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for unresolved grievances to escalate into violence, with serious implications for both victims and the wider community.