A Florida bartender is behind bars after allegedly stabbing a bar patron 10 times during a violent altercation that began with an argument over a disputed tab and escalated with crude remarks about the victim’s deceased mother, police said.
According to an arrest affidavit, the suspect, identified as Jason Wilfredo Rosario, 30, now faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the August 31 incident at Grumpy’s Underground in Orlando.
Police said they were flagged down outside the bar by a woman who had blood on her hands. She told officers she had been in the alley behind the establishment when she overheard two men fighting. Shortly afterward, a man brushed past her and said a stabbing had just occurred. Confused, she returned inside the bar, where another patron pointed out that her hands were covered in blood.
The victim told investigators the confrontation started when Rosario charged him for drinks he claimed were never served. Though the manager resolved the issue, Rosario allegedly continued berating the patron. Witnesses said the bartender repeatedly shouted insults, including sexually explicit remarks, before making a cutting comment about the victim’s late mother.
Rosario reportedly suggested they take the argument outside. Once in the alley, the heated exchange escalated further. Police said Rosario again insulted the victim’s deceased mother, prompting the victim to punch him. Rosario fell to the ground, and the two men grappled before Rosario pulled out a knife and began slashing.
According to the affidavit, Rosario allegedly declared, “I got him,” as the stabbing unfolded. The victim later told officers the assault happened so fast he did not realize he had been stabbed. Authorities counted 10 stab wounds—seven to the victim’s back and three to his head. He was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries but survived.
During the investigation, the bar’s owner approached officers and identified Rosario, who also went by the nicknames “Saucy” and “Joc Hip Hop.” She described him as “hotheaded” and revealed she had already planned to fire him after only three shifts due to concerns about his behavior.
While speaking with police, the owner received a phone call from Rosario. An officer answered and instructed him to return to the bar. Authorities later obtained an arrest warrant, and Rosario was taken into custody without incident.
He is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond. Court records show his next appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.
The shocking attack has drawn attention to the dangers of alcohol-fueled disputes and raised concerns about bar safety in the Orlando nightlife scene.
