The incident happened Wednesday around 8 p.m. at the Jack in the Box located in League City.
Police said the suspect, 53-year-old James Henry Schulz, walked in the restaurant without a face mask and was told he needed to have one in order to be served or use the drive-thru.
"[Schulz] belligerently refused and said they did not want to serve him because he was homeless and began yelling that he would be contacting his attorney as he was filming with his cell phone," said League City police chief Gary Ratliff during a briefing Thursday afternoon.
Surveillance video released by the police department shows the manager holding up the store's written policy as he escorts Schulz out the door. But seconds after turning his back, Schulz steps back into the restaurant, runs after the manager and attacks him with what appeared to be a pocketknife, according to investigators.
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The manager was stabbed three times in the arm and upper torso. He was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and released.
Police have also released two photos of Schulz captured on surveillance video. In the images, Schulz is seen wearing a black and red flannel long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. He's also seen wearing a camouflage hat. Police say Schultz was also seen carrying a green backpack.
Police believe Schulz fled the scene on a bicycle with a yellow flag, that they later found abandoned. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Meanwhile, Jack in the Box issued the following statement late Thursday night.
"Due to privacy issues and the current police investigation we are unable to discuss details at this time. We have a temporary brand standard that requires our franchisees to require their employees and guests to wear masks."