Suspect charged in assault that put Albany restaurant employee in coma pleads not guilty

The man accused of putting a restaurant employee in a coma last May pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Tuesday morning.

Lucas Healey, 42, allegedly walked out of the Shogun Restaurant on Madison Avenue in Albany without covering his entire bill.

Surveillance video shows a man, who police said is Healey, attack workers who tried to confront him.

The co-owner was so badly hurt in the fight he was put in a coma and taken to Albany Medical Center for brain surgery.

The co-owner is now out of that coma, the Times Union reported.

Healey is facing robbery and assault charges. He’s also charged with a hate crime because police say he used racist and homophobic language during the attack.

He is due back in court on Aug. 16.

NewsChannel 13 will keep you updated on the appearance on WNYT.com and our later newscasts.