Collier County bartender arrested for allegedly punching a customer

A Collier County bartender is facing a battery charge for allegedly punching a customer in the face.

Deputies say Biabiano Giovanni Lopez-Sanchez, was working behind the bar at the El Cubano restaurant when the victim asked for a bucket of beer. The victim told deputies that he was ignored or received a disrespectful response upon asking Lopez-Sanchez for his drink.

Deputies say Lopez-Sanchez punched the victim after the victim reached for what he thought was the bucket of beer he ordered. The victim immediately left the restaurant and called the police.

Lopez-Sanchez was questioned by deputies. He told them that the victim was pushing other bar customers out of the way and was complaining that he wasn’t served fast enough before grabbing Lopez-Sanchez by his collar.

Deputies say witnesses to the incident confirmed there was a verbal argument and that Lopez-Sanchez hit the victim after he reached for the bucket of beer but said they could not hear what was said.

Based on the witness statements matching closely to the victim’s, Lopez-Sanchez was arrested, charged with battery and taken to the Immokalee Jail Center.