Police in Los Angeles said a Jack in the Box employee was stabbed Tuesday for not allowing a transient inside after the fast food restaurant closed.

Authorities said the incident took place at about 2 a.m. when the victim and another employee were taking a break outside the restaurant in Winnetka, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley.

Police said a man approached the two employees and tried to enter the restaurant, but the duo told the transient that only the drive-thru was open.

The transient became angry, pulled out a knife and stabbed one of the employees before fleeing the scene.

The employee, who wasn’t identified, was taken to the hospital and released, police said.

Authorities said the suspect is a Black man last seen wearing a black shirt and dark shorts and carrying a camping backpack.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.