Metro

Madman seen smashing NYC McDonald’s with an ax is released without bail

An accused jilted madman who flew into an ax-wielding rage at a Lower East Side McDonald’s was released without bail at his arraignment, authorities said Sunday.

Michael Palacios, 31, who allegedly grabbed an ax and trashed the Delancey Street fast-food joint early Friday, was arraigned on fourth-degree criminal mischief and possession-of-weapons charges hours later and freed, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said.

Neither charge is eligible for bail under the state’s lenient criminal justice reforms.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, Palacios slammed two tables and a plate-glass partition during the early-morning rampage.

Palacios also told cops, “I have a pocket knife in my bike,” according to the complaint.

A witness to the wild caught-on-video incident said Palacios went off when a woman at the restaurant “rejected” him after he continually tried to talk to her.

“So, basically he got into an argument with a girl, and then the girl rejected him,” Uber Eats deliveryman Ruben G told The Post. “She didn’t want to talk to him. He kept going at her.”

Cellphone video of the incident shows three men at the McDonald’s intervened and began throwing punches at Palacios, who appeared to remain calm.

Michael Palacios was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and possession of weapons. @kiddlite21 via McgooShakes/Twit
Michael Palacios slammed two tables and a plate-glass partition. @kiddlite21 via McgooShakes/Twit
Michael Palacios went off when a woman at the restaurant “rejected” him. Twitter/@McgooShakes

But after the men backed off, Palacios allegedly reached into his backpack and pulled out the ax and began smashing tables and the wall in the restaurant while patrons scattered in fear.

Palacios is then seen getting back on his bicycle and taking off.

Police later arrested him and charged him in the incident.

Sources said he has one prior bust, for resisting arrest.

Michael Palacios was arraigned after an attack at an NYC McDonald’s. Instagram/@ontheblockwithsoho