A shocking case in New Mexico has left the community disturbed after a man allegedly attacked an 8-year-old girl at a local restaurant. The girl was seriously injured and needed 19 stitches after being hit and cut with a broken beer bottle.
What Happened Inside the Restaurant?
The incident happened on April 25, 2025, at Saggios, a restaurant on Cornell Drive in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, 24-year-old Nichalas San Souci suddenly hit a young girl on the head with a glass beer bottle and then sliced her neck with the broken glass.
The victim, who was inside the restaurant with her family, was reportedly looking at a waterfall and murals when the attack happened. The child had no connection to San Souci and was just in the restaurant with her parents waiting to be seated.
Father Recalls the Frightening Moment
The girl’s father, Britton Rose, spoke with KOAT News and shared the horrifying moment he realized something was wrong. He heard his wife yelling “No, no, stop,” and quickly ran to his daughter.
He said his daughter was soaking wet and told him that someone had broken a bottle over her head. She had severe injuries and was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors had to give her 19 stitches to treat the wounds.
The Suspect’s Reason: “She Got in My Way”
According to court documents, San Souci admitted to the police that he attacked the child simply because “she got in my way.” After the initial attack, the man allegedly pulled out a knife and looked back at the girl again, prompting her father to step in and protect her.
Legal Action and Charges
San Souci was indicted by a grand jury last week on several serious charges, including:
- First-degree child abuse resulting in great bodily harm
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
District Attorney Sam Bregman described the case as “deeply disturbing.” He explained that if convicted, San Souci could face 22.5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 18 years for the child abuse charge alone.
Where Is the Suspect Now?
San Souci is currently being held in Bernalillo County Jail without bond. His case has drawn widespread attention due to the brutality and senselessness of the attack.