Indianapolis, Indiana – A 27-year-old employee at a popular downtown Indianapolis restaurant has been charged after allegedly pulling a gun on an irate customer who refused to leave the establishment.
The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at approximately 8 p.m. inside The Garage Food Hall, located in the Bottleworks District just off Mass Ave. The restaurant involved is Pig Pen, a barbecue spot within the food hall. Police were called after a customer reported that an employee had brandished a firearm during a heated argument.
According to court documents, witnesses confirmed the account of the incident. Jacob Asberry, the employee in question, defended his actions by claiming the customer had become increasingly aggressive and refused repeated requests to leave the restaurant.
The dispute began over a coupon. Asberry reportedly told the couple, a husband and wife, that the restaurant could not honor the coupon due to “technical issues.” The husband, upset by the refusal, demanded the coupon be honored, according to the report, and became confrontational, reportedly saying, “you need to fix this right now.”
Asberry asked the couple to leave, but they allegedly refused, and the husband approached him behind the counter. According to the husband’s account, he said, “I’ll snatch your a** over this counter.” In response, Asberry allegedly pulled a loaded handgun from a bag and pointed it at the man, telling him, “Just leave.” The husband then left the restaurant and immediately called 911.
Police officers who reviewed video from the incident noted that both the husband and wife were speaking to Asberry in a tone described as “antagonizing” and “condescending.” Despite this, the responding officer’s report emphasized that the situation did not justify pointing a firearm at someone in a busy and heavily occupied restaurant.
“Factors presented did not arise to the degree of making pointing a loaded firearm at another person within a busy and heavily occupied business reasonable,” the report stated.
Asberry was arrested and, on December 30, 2025, charged with one count of pointing a firearm, a Level 6 felony under Indiana law. If convicted, he could face up to two and a half years in prison.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over workplace safety and customer disputes in public spaces. While Asberry maintained that he acted in self-defense during the altercation, prosecutors argue that the use of a firearm in a crowded food hall was an extreme and unnecessary response.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the restaurant has implemented any new safety measures or policies following the incident. Local authorities continue to investigate and gather statements from witnesses.
The charged incident serves as a reminder that confrontations in public settings can escalate rapidly and that even in tense situations, the presence of a weapon can dramatically increase the risk of criminal liability.
No further updates on Asberry’s court proceedings have been released, and officials encourage anyone with additional information about the event to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
