Towson restaurant owner describes horrific attack after confronting group of urinators

BALTIMORE -- Video obtained by WJZ shows the owner of a Towson restaurant being assaulted after he said he confronted a group of people urinating in front of the business on Sunday.  

WJZ spoke with the owner of Kerb, a popular late-night fast-food spot in Towson, who says he is doing okay. However, community members as well as neighboring business owners say this level of brazen crime is concerning and becoming all too common. 

"Devastating, man. I'm surprised to see that level of violence going on," Ronald Frye, Owner of Jerk Hut Eatery in Towson, said. 

Police are still searching for the suspects who assaulted Masaud Athari, outside of his Towson restaurant, Kerb, last Sunday. 

"I see there's two gentlemen here, one of them was trying to urinate on the corner," Athari told WJZ reporter Caroline Foreback. 

When Athari confronted them, a man wearing lighter gray clothing finishes urinating on the business and immediately punches Athari before two others join in. 

"Once he punched me, I grabbed him by his hoodie, we rolled on and I fell in between the two cars. He was on top of me. I was holding him and then his other partner attacked my co-workers," Athari explained. 

During the assault, one of the suspects brandished a gun. That's when Baltimore County Police arrived, but by then the suspects were already gone. 

"I'm glad I'm ok..."

During an interview with WJZ, Athari admitted that he was glad he survived and is okay. 

Members of the nearby community say they're also glad that Athari, affectionately known as Mr. Kerb, is okay. 

"He's an immigrant. He's coming to this country for a better life," Kareem Jaman, a local student said. 

Athari moved to the U.S. from Iran in 2007. He has a wife and child and has owned Kerb since 2014.  

Ronald Frye, who owns Jerk Hut Eatery next to Kerb wants Athari to know the community supports him. 

"He's been a great guy, great neighbor and everything. I hope he gets well and continues to do his thing and make Towson a great place," Frye stated. 

The Baltimore County Police Department is working with local business owners to review surveillance footage that may help in identifying the suspects.