Bistro Employee Accused of Stabbing Coworker

The owner of Metro Bis, a popular eatery in Simsbury, is talking about a stabbing at his restaurant Saturday night that left one employee hospitalized and another charged with attempted murder.

Chris Prosperi says the two were long-time employees - and friends - so he really doesn't know what led to the scuffle that occurred in the kitchen shortly before 8pm.  "It happened so quick and so fast and it was just shocking to all of us", Prosperi said.

Now, 22-year-old Tawfik Atik of New Britain has been charged with attempted murder because, investigators say, the stabbing was intentional. But the suspect's attorney claims Atik, who has no criminal record, was acting in self-defense. 

The victim, who was stabbed in the stomach with a large knife, was rushed to the hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The circumstances surrounding the stabbing are unclear because there were no direct witnesses and neither the suspect nor the victim speak English.

Prosperi says even though the incident occurred during the dinner hour, diners were largely unaware that anything out of the ordinary had happened because almost all the police activity was limited to the kitchen.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, Atik is charged with first degree assault and tampering with evidence.  He remains jailed on $350,000 bond.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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