Man threatens to kill food truck workers holding knife with 'infidel' written on it, records show

Jessica Willey Image
Friday, January 13, 2023
Man threatens to kill food truck workers holding knife with 'infidel' written on it, records show
According to court records, the man aggressively approached the workers holding a knife with the word "infidel" written on it and threatened to rob and kill them.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man remains in jail Friday evening accused of threatening to kill the workers of a taco truck with a knife that had the word "infidel" written on it.

Taz Michael Smith, 27, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon from the incident that happened in the 6600 block of S. Gessner Road on Thursday.

Diana Diaz-Torrez runs the taco truck with her cousin. She said they had never had a problem in the four years they've been at the location until Smith aggressively approached them with a knife and threatened to rob and kill them.

Diaz-Torrez said Smith only backed off because her cousin had a gun. He then banged on their truck to keep them from calling the police.

According to Houston police, Smith was arrested after a struggle.

SEE RELATED: Popular Houston taco truck targeted by suspect with sawed-off shotgun: 'It's difficult'

Court records state that he told officers, "If you are looking for my knife, it is in my bag. It has the word 'infidel' on it."

According to Merriam-Webster, "infidel" means someone who does not believe in orthodox religion. It is considered an offensive term.

Smith was given a $40,000 bond. He does not have any prior charges in Texas, online records show.

Diaz-Torres said she was scared and that it was terrible they had to worry about such a threat when all they want to do is run the small business.

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SEE ALSO: Police search for gunman who shot employee at SW Houston taco truck