Police search for man who attacked family in Stockbridge restaurant

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - A Stockbridge woman is recovering after police said she was beaten, battered, and bruised by a man who turned to violence inside a restaurant.

It happened Monday afternoon at the Steak 'n Shake on Mount Zion Parkway in Morrow.

The victim, Melody Jordan, and her daughter and nephew, met us at a church near her home, for safety’s sake.

“I was afraid that he may know or figure out where I live,” said Jordan

She said the problems started when she and her family were having a late lunch at the restaurant. She said a man and a woman sitting near them started complaining about her daughter coughing.

Jordan said she told them the cough was from bronchitis and not contagious. She said she and her family moved to a different table, but were followed by the man.

Jordan said words were exchanged. Police said the man became violent, throwing a milkshake in Jordan’s face than his fists.

“After he threw the milkshake in my face he started punching me, with both fists,” said Jordan.

Now she is recovering from the injuries.

“I have a black eye with damage to my cornea, it’s torn and damage to my optic nerve,” said Jordan.

She also showed FOX 5 News bruises on her arms.

Jordan said the man also directed his violence at her nephew, Zachary Castillo, who was trying to defend her. He tried to recall how many timed he was struck.

“Honestly, I don't remember, but like two or three times. My ear, jaw, my ear was bleeding,” said Castillo.

It was all part of the surreal events at the restaurant which has police looking for a man whose identity they are trying to determine for violence against Melody Jordan and her family.

“It’s important to get him off the streets because if he’ll hit somebody that doesn’t provoke him, what’s he capable of,” said Jordan.

She said she is following up with medical experts to see if there is any permanent damage.

Clayton County Police said they arrested a woman with the man, charging her with battery and other charges connected to the violence.

Anyone with knowledge of the individual’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Clayton County Police Department.