An alleged end-of-shift dispute over $5 escalated into a knife fight at Chili Peppers Restaurant on Foothill Boulevard in San Luis Obispo at about 4 p.m. on July 23, manager Noah Nimo said.
A verbal argument over a cash-drawer shortage became physical when Fernando Ramos Ceballos, 42, shoved Daniel Ebaristo, 31, Nimo said. Fellow employees separated the men in an attempt to break up the fight.
Ceballos then allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife with a 10-inch blade and slashed through Ebaristo’s shirt-but failed to reach his flesh, police said. When Ebaristo turned, Ceballos reportedly threw the knife, striking Ebaristo in the back of the head with the weapon’s handle.
Police arrested Ceballos in front of his home at approximately 10:30 p.m. on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats. He was released from San Luis Obispo County Jail on $50,000 bail.
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This article appears in Jul 27 – Aug 3, 2006.