IHOP employee, 67, fatally stabbed inside Brooklyn pancake place

An IHOP employee was fatally stabbed and another man was slashed at a Brooklyn franchise of the pancake eatery, police said Saturday.

Cops rushed to the scene where 67-year-old Hector Reinoso-Perez was stabbed in the torso around 10:39 p.m. Friday inside the restaurant near Flatlands Ave. and Louisiana Ave. in East New York after a scuffle with his attacker, cops said. A 41-year-old man was also slashed in the hand during the altercation.

EMS transported Reinoso-Perez to Brookdale University Hospital where he later died of his injuries. The other victim was not hospitalized.

“We are aware of the tragic incident that took place at our Flatlands, Brooklyn, location in which one of our team members passed following a physical altercation,” Bernardo DeJesus, an IHOP spokesperson, said. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of our team member, as well as with the entire team at this location. We are cooperating fully with the local law enforcement investigation. The safety of our team members and guests is our number one priority.”

Reinoso-Perez lived in Starrett City, just four blocks from where he was fatally stabbed, according to cops.

It was unclear what sparked the incident. No arrest has been made as police are still trying to track down a suspect.

Originally Published: September 6, 2025 at 5:36 PM EDT