Police: Albany man punched restaurant worker after trying to leave without paying

An Albany man is accused of trying to leave a restaurant without paying and then punching an employee who tried to stop him.

Lucas Healey, 42, allegedly ran up a large bill for food and alcohol at Shogun Café on Madison Avenue at around 6:30 p.m. Healey tried to leave and took food with him. He then punched an employee multiple times in the face who tried to intervene. The 49-year-old employee fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious, police said.

The victim was treated at the scene and then transported to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries. 

Healey was still at the restaurant when officers arrived. He also allegedly had cocaine in his possession.

Healey was charged with assault, theft of services, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of robbery.

Healey was arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court Thursday morning and sent to Albany County Jail.