Wendy’s customer charged after viral Northridge scuffle

A $30,000 cash bail bond secured the release of a 46-year-old content creator Tuesday night following a violent confrontation at a Wendy’s in Northridge.

Kyle Manfre was booked into Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He told The Times Wednesday night that he believes the charges are wrong and said, “I need to clear my name.” Manfre works as a writer and content creator.

The incident began at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the 18500 block of Devonshire Street. Officer Charles Miller, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, confirmed police received a call regarding a potential assault. Officers arrived to find a man with minor lacerations. They detained Manfre on suspicion of using a knife as a weapon.

Manfre described the moment the altercation escalated. He and his girlfriend had just finished saying grace when a man in a cap moved to within inches of his face. Manfre said he tried to leave the booth to create distance, but the other man blocked his exit. He claimed he saw a shiny metal object in the man’s fist, which he later learned were keys. At the time, Manfre said, “I thought he was going to kill us.”

Manfre stated he held a 3-inch pocket knife but denied using the blade. He said, “I only brandished it.” Authorities confiscated the knife. Witness Jesus Lepit told KTLA that the man in the cap had been arguing with employees before approaching the couple. Lepit said, “He got into that guy’s face.” He also observed chairs being thrown around the restaurant.

Manfre requested to be taken to a hospital after the arrest. Doctors cleared him, and he was subsequently booked into custody. He provided The Times with photographs showing swelling and bleeding on his hand. He said these injuries occurred when he tried to block chairs from hitting his face. A court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17 at the San Fernando Courthouse.