Defendant In Lighter Fluid Attack At Thousand Oaks Pizzeria Released From Jail

Sunday July 23, 2023

     Update--The man arrested in connection with that strange attack at a Thousand Oaks pizza parlor in June was released from jail Friday night without having to post bail.

     According to court and jail records, 61-year-old Robert Haight Jr. of Palo Alto was released on his own recognizance after entering not guilty pleas to two felony counts of Assault with a Caustic Chemical and three felony counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

     The incident was reported around 2 PM on Sunday June 25th at the Allegro Pizzeria in the 400 block of East Avenida De Los Arboles.

     Prosecutors allege that Haight entered the kitchen area of the restaurant and squirted lighter fluid on an employee in an unprovoked attack.

     It is then alleged that Haight grabbed a kitchen knife and chased the employee out the back door to the rear parking lot.

     An adult male bystander from at a nearby business reportedly saw what was happening and intervened but not before Haight is alleged to have squirted him with the lighter fluid.

     The bystander fought back and ended the attack.

     By then deputies arrived and took Haight into custody.