Charges have been filed against a man who allegedly attempted to set an employee on fire during an attack at a pizza shop in Thousand Oaks. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office identified the suspect as 61-year-old Robert Haight.
On June 25, Haight reportedly entered a pizzeria in Thousand Oaks and squirted lighter fluid on an employee with the intention of setting the employee on fire. He is then accused of grabbing a large kitchen knife and chasing the employee through the restaurant. The employee managed to escape through the back door, but the suspect allegedly continued the chase into the parking lot.
When a second individual tried to intervene, Haight allegedly sprayed him with lighter fluid as well. This second victim fought back and defended himself before the arrival of Thousand Oaks police.
Haight was taken to a local hospital for injuries sustained during his alleged assault on the two victims. He has since been charged with two counts of assault with caustic chemicals and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Haight pleaded not guilty to all charges on Friday. An early disposition conference is scheduled for July 31 at the Ventura County Superior Court where a final ruling could be made.