Lincoln, California — Five employees were injured in a stabbing incident that occurred on August 19, 2026, inside the kitchen of Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, located at Thunder Valley Casino. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office reported that none of the injuries were life-threatening. The suspect, identified as Joseph Benedict John Naugle, a 22-year-old employee of the restaurant, was taken into custody shortly after the incident unfolded.
In a statement released by Naugle’s family on August 23, they expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. They acknowledged the emotional pain experienced by all those affected and requested understanding regarding Naugle’s history of severe medical issues. “We pray for their recovery and peace of mind,” the family stated, while emphasizing their inability to discuss the situation due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
While the specific motive for the attack remains undisclosed, the sheriff’s office confirmed that the investigation is active. Reports indicate that the stabbing incident was contained to the kitchen area of the restaurant, where all involved were fellow employees, and none of the casino patrons were affected.
Emergency responders swiftly addressed the scene, with reports indicating that one victim was taken to a local hospital while the other four were treated on-site by Thunder Valley emergency crew and Cal Fire personnel. The rapid response helped prevent more severe outcomes in what could have been a much graver situation.
Authorities confirmed that Naugle was known to all of the victims, who were fellow staff members at the café. After securing the scene, deputies detained Naugle just minutes after their arrival, with media footage showing him in custody, still wearing his kitchen apron.
The United Auburn Indian Community operates Thunder Valley Casino Resort, situated about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento. The venue regularly attracts visitors for its entertainment and dining options, including Dos Coyotes Border Cafe.
Naugle faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, as of August 26. He remains in custody without bail, and court filings have included five protective orders against him. During a court appearance on August 26, Naugle pleaded not guilty to felony attempted murder charges and requested a psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness for trial. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 2.
The severity of the attack raises ongoing questions about what prompted such violence in a workplace setting. As officials continue to investigate, there has been no clarity provided by either law enforcement or the prosecution regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Fortunately, all five injured workers survived the attack, a fact attributed to the swift medical response from the casino’s personnel and local emergency services. With no life-threatening injuries reported, the situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence, even in seemingly secure environments.