FERGUSON, MO – A 22-year-old Imo’s Pizza employee, identified as Jakob McKeage, has been charged after allegedly stabbing a man outside the Ferguson location Tuesday night following repeated requests for food.
Authorities say the incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in the parking lot of the Imo’s Pizza located on the 100 block of South Florissant Road in Ferguson. According to the Ferguson Police Department, officers were called to the scene around 9:45 p.m. for a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found an adult male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Witnesses told investigators that the victim had approached McKeage several times that evening, asking for food. Police allege that McKeage became agitated and ultimately confronted the man outside the restaurant, where the altercation turned violent.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. His identity has not yet been released. Authorities say he is expected to survive.
Police took McKeage into custody at the scene without further incident. Court documents allege that McKeage admitted to stabbing the man but claimed he felt “threatened” after the repeated interactions. Investigators, however, say there was no immediate physical threat to justify the use of a weapon.
On Wednesday, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged McKeage with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
Ferguson Police Chief Frank McCall Jr. said in a statement that violence in response to non-violent encounters is unacceptable.
“This was a senseless act of aggression that could have cost someone their life over something as simple as a request for food,” McCall said. “Our officers acted quickly to secure the suspect and ensure the victim received immediate medical care.”
Imo’s Pizza has confirmed that McKeage has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. In a brief statement, the company said they are cooperating fully with authorities and emphasized that the incident does not reflect their values or commitment to community safety.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Ferguson Police Department.