Photo: Stock Image
On June 25th, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department deputies attached to the Thousand Oaks Police Department found themselves engaged in a bizarre and potentially deadly situation pursuant to a 911 Emergency call for service at a local area restaurant.
Upon arrival, witnesses reported an individual who had doused an unsuspecting employee with lighter fluid while pursuing the victim with a generously sized kitchen knife.
According to VCSD spokesperson Det. Monica Smith, “the employee fled the business through a rear back door” with his assailant on his heels. Once outside, 61-year-old Palo Alto resident Robert Haight was confronted by an intrepid second victim who attempted to intervene. At that point, Haight assaulted this second victim, “squirting lighter fluid on him.”
It was at this point, with the aroma of lighter fluid still lingering in the air, that patrol deputies swooped in, promptly subdued Haight, and took him into custody.
Haight was taken to a local area hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained while assaulting his two victims. He was later transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked on multiple charges including Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Assault with Caustic Chemical. He remains in custody with his bail set at $500,000.
