Police are investigating a restaurant owner in Benton, Kansas, after he was accused of walking up to a family celebrating their two-year-old daughter’s birthday and kissing the child before blowing out the candle on her cake. The incident, which was caught on camera and has since gone viral, shows the surreal moment when the man crossed the line.
The incident took place on Friday, August 28, at Stearman Field Bar and Grill, as confirmed by a press release from the Benton Police Department, which was subsequently shared on Facebook. According to KWCH 12, the authorities are investigating an incident of battery at the establishment that happened around 8:24 p.m.
The matter was first brought to police attention after the mother of the two-year-old, Cassie Berrios, spoke about the inappropriate behavior from restaurant staff in a post on Facebook. She claimed the man had been identified as John Arnold, the owner of Stearman Field Bar and Grill. According to KWCH 12, he was also an “equity holder” for Stearman Airfield, Deano’s Grill & Tapworks, Oak & Pie, Deano’s on Pier 37, and Morgan’s Steakhouse.
The restaurant owner is under investigation
Berrios claimed the man “Approached my TODDLER enjoying her moment by putting his arm around her, called her beautiful and attempted to give her a kiss on her innocent lips.”
In the video of the incident, the family of the two-year-old is seen celebrating the young girl’s birthday before Arnold approaches the table. He then leans down and tries to kiss the child while the rest of the people at the table watch, completely stunned…