An evening meal turns violent at a Salina restaurant.

Police arrested 19-year-old Alexander J. O’Brien on Saturday after an altercation inside the Hong Kong Buffet, 2515 Market, around 8pm.

According to Captain Chris Trockeck, a Salina couple had befriended a homeless man from Oregon who landed in Salina after being kicked off a Greyhound Bus.

Police say O’Brien got upset with the couple inside the restaurant – and tried to stab Patricia McCoy with a butter knife when she attempted to leave.

Her husband, Walter McCoy tackled O’Brien and police were then called.

The woman was treated for a 1-inch abrasion to the back of her neck at the hospital.

O’Brien is facing charges for aggravated battery.

Captain Trocheck tells KSAL News that the two met Obrien after he applied for a job where Patricia works.