Watch CBS News

Popular Restaurant Owner Discusses His Assault Only With WJZ

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The owner of a popular Baltimore restaurant is speaking out after he was attacked and robbed outside of the Baltimore staple. Markos Pappas, owner of Pappas Seafood, is recovering after being hit in the head with a pistol.

Marcus Washington spoke with the 83-year-old about what happened and his condition now.

For 43 years, Pappas Seafood has been the conversation of thousands for its tasty menu but Monday, many people are still talking about the assault on its owner, Markos Pappas, Saturday night.

"He hit me and I fell down," Pappas said.

"I saw him bleeding and I freaked out but he was fine. I couldn't believe...he was acting like nothing happened," said his son, Steve Pappas.

After hitting the 83-year-old over the head with the gun, the alleged attacker, 26-year-old Darrell Burns, ran off---but not before someone saw his car and informed police.

Because of the quick thinking of a customer, police knew the license plate number of the car Burns was inside. A police officer caught up with him on West Northern Parkway and caught him after he crashed his car nearby.

"It was a customer---he's a hero ," said Steve Pappas.

"We were tending to my father, who was bleeding, and waiting for an ambulance," said Steve.

Since Saturday, the Pappas family has received a number of calls and cards, letting Mr. Pappas know they are praying for him and thinking about him.

"We have been bombarded with telephone calls, well-wishers. My phone has been going off the hook," said Steve.

"People we haven't heard from in 10 years, they've called and asked how he is," said Markos' wife, Harriet Pappas.

Burns is currently being held without bail.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.