'Say cheese' comment sparked brutal attack outside east Louisville restaurant, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 19-year-old was arrested after three people were taken to the hospital following a fight in a parking lot of an east Louisville restaurant.

According to court documents, three people were going to eat at Malone's in the Paddock Shops when they yelled "say cheese" to a group of people having their photo taken in front of the restaurant Saturday, March 8.

But the group, including Seth Jones, felt disrespected by being yelled at, according to police.

Jones and two other people, including a juvenile, later returned to the parking lot looking for the other diners. Police said the alleged attackers went through different restaurants to find them.

When the victims came out to their car, they were confronted by Jones and the two others. That's when a fight ensued. One of the victims was beaten with their own metal baton, according to police.

One of the victims was knocked unconscious during the fight, suffered a concussion and small brain bleed.

Police said the incident was caught on surveillance camera.

The three attackers fled the scene, while the three victims were taken to the hospital with injuries. One of the victims had a skull fracture and brain bleed.

Police said the two groups were strangers. Jones told police he felt "disrespected" when the victims yelled "say cheese" to his group.

Attorney Nick Mudd, representing Jones, strongly disputes the allegations.

"As the video evidence will show, Mr. Jones acted in self-defense when the alleged victims pulled out a deadly weapon and Mr. Jones was forced to defend himself and disarm them," Mudd said.

Jones was charged with assault in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree and unlawful transaction with a minor. He was arraigned Wednesday morning.

Jones, from Prospect, entered a not guilty plea and a $20,000 cash bond was set.

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