ELKINS, WV — An employee of Sakura Japanese Restaurant in Elkins has been arrested following a violent altercation that left a co-worker with a serious facial injury.
Shi Span Pink, 48, faces charges of malicious assault and malicious wounding after allegedly stabbing fellow employee Shu Shuo Chen, 56, during a workplace dispute around 1:30 p.m. Friday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Trooper H.J. Bonetti of the West Virginia State Police Elkins Detachment, the incident began with an argument between Pink and another employee, Xue Ying Xheng. A witness told police that Pink struck Xheng with two spatulas. When Chen attempted to intervene, Pink allegedly grabbed a knife and slashed Chen across the face.
Troopers observed a six-inch laceration on Chen’s right facial region and a cut on Pink’s left middle finger.
Both men were treated at Davis Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities collected the knife, Pink’s shirt, and Chen’s apron as evidence.
Several off-duty officers dining in the restaurant helped break up the fight. The West Virginia State Police, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Elkins Police Department, and Randolph County Emergency Squad all responded to the scene.
Pink is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond.
