Connecticut

Couple Arrested After Violent Crab Legs Dispute Plead Not Guilty

A 21-year-old man was punched in the face and lost a tooth in the dispute

A husband and wife who were arrested after an argument got out of hand at Royal Buffet in Manchester last weekend pleaded not guilty to assault charges in court today, according to documents. 

The argument started at 410 West Middle Turnpike on Saturday, April 2 over crab legs at the buffet table, or the water they were in. That led to a scuffle and a 21-year-old man being punched in the face and losing a tooth, police said.

The injured man's mother, Denise Avery, jumped in and used pepper spray on her son's attackers, according to police. They determined she was acting in self-defense and said she would not be charged.

Avery said the fight was not over the crab legs. It happened after she complained about a little girl playing in the crab leg water and the parents got upset.

Avery said she complained to the restaurant when she saw a girl playing in the water the crab legs were in and asked for clean water. The girl's family took offense, leading to the conflict.

Police then arrested Clifford Knight, 45, and Lataya Knight, 38, both of whom are from Windsor and were identified as husband and wife. Lataya Knight was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening in the third-degree. Clifford Knight was also charged with disorderly conduct with the added charge of assault in the third-degree.

Avery said Clifford Knight punched her son and broke two teeth and Lataya Knight punched her in the back of the head and broke her nose.

Clifford Knight was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and Lataya Knight was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond. They are both expected back in court on May 20.

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