Richardson Restaurant Stabbing: 4 hospitalized, suspect told police he would "kill as many people as I can"

RICHARDSON, Texas - Police shot and killed a man Wednesday night after he allegedly stabbed four people at a local restaurant, authorities said.

What we know:

Richardson police responded to several calls reporting a man threatening patrons with a knife at Good Vibes Bar and Grill, located in the 2100 block of E. Buckingham Road, at approximately 10 p.m.

When officers arrived, they encountered 28-year-old Stephen Kwembe standing outside the restaurant's entrance. After being told there were victims inside, officers ordered Kwembe to drop the weapon. 

Kwembe refused to comply and advanced towards the officers, at which point two officers opened fire, striking him. A third officer deployed a bean bag round to separate Kwembe from the knife.

While waiting for paramedics, officers provided medical aid to the victims inside the establishment. One adult female and three adult males were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Kwembe was also taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said Kwembe had no ties to any of the four victims, and all four remain in the ICU following the incident. Several victims sustained injuries after attempting to protect another victim from harm.

Police stated there is no remaining threat to the public.

Dig deeper:

Richardson Police say Kwembe previously appeared at the Richardson Municipal Court earlier on Wednesday about a drug paraphernalia possession charge.

After leaving the court, he attempted to retrieve a firearm that was recovered by the Richardson Police Department related to the possession charge, but police did not return the firearm.

Kwembe later called a non-emergency line at the Garland Police Department, telling them he was going to Good Vibes Bar and Grill to kill someone.

Suspect phone call & officer body camera footage released

The Richardson Police Department released officer body camera footage from the incident on Thursday afternoon.

Kwembe can be heard saying "I want to die" to police before approaching them with the knife.

Richardson PD also released audio of the phone call Quimby had with the Garland Police Department.

"Tell them they must kill me. Because if they don't, I'm going to kill as many people as I can, so make sure they come in bulletproof. Light me up," Kwembe can be heard telling Garland Police.

What they're saying:

FOX 4 talked to several of the bar's regular customers who said they were there when it happened. They said one of the victims is a bartender patrons know as Felicia.

"She's a sweetheart," said Mary Cooper, a Good Vibes patron. "She is a lovable woman and I just can't believe what happened."

One witness tells FOX 4's David Sentendrey that Kwembe had been kicked out of the bar within recent weeks prior to the stabbings.

One of the victims, Harold Stemper, is out of surgery, according to his sons. They say he hit Kwembe with a stool before being stabbed during the incident.

"He had the intent to come and hurt someone," Genaro Lopez said. "That’s the last thing people expect to happen here."

"I’m very proud that he’s my stepdad, my dad," Jerry Padilla said.

The bar's owner shared a post on social media asking for prayers for his bartender and the people who assisted her. He said his staff is understandably shaken by what happened.

While Good Vibes will remain closed on Thursday, it is expected to reopen on Friday.

RichardsonCrime and Public Safety