NEW HARTFORD — Accused of attacking employees at Applebee's on Commercial Drive — including arming himself with a kitchen knife, a 28-year-old man is facing multiple charges, according to the New Hartford Police Department.

Esteban F. Padron was subdued by a restaurant patron who pulled a gun on the accused attacker, authorities stated.

Around 6 p.m. on Saturday, police said Padron, 28, of Utica, entered the Applebee's restaurant on Commercial Drive, despite being previously banned from the premises for an earlier disorderly incident. Employees immediately recognized Padron and started to escort him out.

Padron began attacking the staff member, police said, and then he ran behind the bar and grabbed a steak knife. Authorities said Padron fought off several employees, including slicing one in the face with the knife. At least two employees were injured.

A patron in the restaurant intervened by drawing his duly licensed handgun and pointing it at Padron, police said. The patron ordered Padron onto the ground and to drop the knife, and police said Padron complied. Police officers arrived shortly thereafter and took Padron into custody.

Padron was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said. He has been charged with attempted second-degree assault, fourth-degree possession of a weapon and two counts of third-degree assault, police said. He is scheduled to appear in New Hartford Town Court.

The investigation is continuing and police said additional charges are possible.