Police: 2 Mt. Washington Tavern Employees Stabbed By Man Caught Stealing Tips

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MOUNT WASHINGTON (KDKA) – The owner and a manager of a tavern in Mount Washington were badly injured when they were allegedly stabbed by an employee who was caught on camera stealing tips.

According to police, the incident happened around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bigham Tavern.

According to the criminal complaint, a waitress noticed some of her tip money was missing and she notified a female manager. The two checked the tavern's surveillance video, which appeared to show 40-year-old Jaymar Gilbert taking the money.

The manager called the owner of the tavern to alert him to the situation. The owner arrived and called Gilbert into the office, where he was confronted about the theft.

After admitting to taking the money, Gilbert returned the $80 and apologized. When he tried to leave the office, the owner allegedly blocked the door and said he was calling the police.

Gilbert pushed past the owner and ran to his locker, where he started to remove items. As Gilbert kept trying to push past the owner in the locker area, a male manager arrived.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation involving the three men. During the altercation, all three ended up on the floor. A witness stated when the manager and owner got up, both were bleeding.

Gilbert was arrested at the scene and charges are pending. He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.

One of the victims suffered a collapsed lung, while the other suffered a perforated bowel. Both were taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital in critical condition.

KDKA's Meghan Schiller Reports:

Bigham Tavern opened five hours later than usual on Thursday because of the late-night incident. Customers said they were shocked by what happened.

"I can't believe that happened. I'm sad. I patronize this place, my boyfriend and I," said customer Brandi Leicht. "I have always been treated very nice here. I'm just shocked."

The tavern has issued the following statement:

"The unfortunate events that occurred to our Bigham Tavern family on Wednesday night were an isolated internal altercation that was diffused quickly by our community first responders. We aim to provide a safe work environment for all of our employees and for our community. It is our intent to properly manage any incidents that occur as to minimize injury and other forms of loss. Wednesday night's events were no different in process but harrowing in ending. We are wishing a quick recovery to our loved ones at this somber time."