Police say fake money left in a restaurant tab led to a fist fight that ended in arrest.
This happened at Chelino's in south OKC on Sunday evening.
The manager says it was a regular day that turned into a day that he will never forget.
Manager Juan Garcia took a couple to their table at Chelino's Mexican Restaurant.
He says the couple orders dinner and drinks.
"The check was not out of the ordinary," Garcia says. "They ordered some higher end items and some mixed drinks."
When paying, Garcia says, they put down a so-called $100 bill and walked out.
"I pick up the tab and I look at the $100 bill," Garcia says. "It says "Copy" on one side and "Hollywood Production" on the other. That is when I knew it was fake."
Garcia says he chased them out the door to ask about the money and police say the customer, Dakota Barton, punched him.
"A couple co-workers came to help me detain him," Garcia said. "My brother, who works here too, called police and they got here right away."
"During the arrest process, fentanyl was found on the male suspect," MSgt. Dillon Quirk said.
Garcia says he doesn’t recognize Barton or the woman with him.
"We are a small business and family owned," Garcia said. "Our customers are regulars. They know us by name."
Garcia says he is putting the bad day behind him and focusing on what is important.
"We love our customers," Garcia said. "We love people. We love to serve our food. This won't stop us from continuing to serve our community."
Garcia says they know an occasional dine and dash will happen but counterfeit money is a different story.
They say they will be on the look out for it now.
For more local news delivered straight to your inbox sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.