Man who went on axe-swinging rampage at McDonald's had just been 'rejected' by woman

A man filmed on an axe-swinging rampage at a McDonald’s restaurant had earlier been rejected by a woman, according to witnesses.

Michael Palacios, 31, was arrested after terrifying diners at the New York City fast food eatery.

Shocking footage from the scene showed the suspect being punched several times by three men as he tried to reach a lone woman sitting at a table.

After the blows stopped raining down he calmly reached into his backpack and took out a small axe.

To the shock of everyone inside he destroyed a glass panel, before chopping at several tables and chairs as people fled, the New York Post reported.

He then approaches the woman and, gesturing with the axe, shouted: "Don’t be afraid of me, be afraid of him."

Afterwards he fled on his bike but was later picked up by officers from the New York Police Department.

Witness Ruben G said the suspect smelled of alcohol.

Ruben, an Uber Eats delivery driver, said: “Basically he got into an argument with a girl, and then the girl rejected him.

"She didn’t want to talk to him. He kept going at her…that’s when the guys she was with stepped in and they started arguing.

“He was trying to talk to her and whatever. He was asking for her number, where she was from, and I guess she felt some way.

“She replied back in a certain manner that she didn’t want to give too much info and he kept pushing on.”

A McDonald’s worker added there was a “lot of damage” but it was for his superiors to sort out.

One person reacted with shock on social media and added: “When someone starts digging through their bag after a fight that's not a good sign.

“They ain't looking to give out cookies! Either take him out or run!”

Another added: “Some of us live here. Our families are here. Personally, I would've got the hell out of there. It's surprising how many people stuck around and even tried to ignore what was going on.

“The whole thing is sad and disturbing.”

Palacios was charged with criminal mischief and three counts of menacing and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

He was later released without bail at his arraignment.