Man charged with slashing victim's neck at Applebee's restaurant in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- A Port Charlotte man was charged with stabbing a victim at an Applebee's restaurant, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

John Safron, 26, was arrested Saturday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

At 12:59 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a reported stabbing at the restaurant located in the 4600 block of State Road 64 East. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with a laceration to the left side of his neck. Police said the victim was transported to Blake Medical Center as a trauma alert.

According to a release, witnesses said Safron walked up to the victim and cut his neck for no apparent reason. Safron then fled the scene before officers arrived.

Bradenton detectives responded and were able to identify Safron as the suspect, which was confirmed by the victim and witnesses, according to the release. Safron returned to Applebee's later that same day and was arrested.

According to police, Safron was taken to the Bradenton Police Department for questioning and admitted to being at Applebee's but denied assaulting the victim. He was then transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the following day on $25,000 bond.

Police said the victim was listed in stable condition.

Anyone with information on this case can call Detective Jeff Beckley at 941-932-9356 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published March 14, 2016 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Man charged with slashing victim's neck at Applebee's restaurant in Bradenton ."