Fitness Fiasco: Texas Man Accused of Stabbing Gymgoer in Butt After Leg Press Machine Incident

A man in Texas has been arrested after he allegedly stabbed another man in the butt after an encounter at a leg press machine at the gym, law enforcement officials said.

Around 11 a.m. on Feb. 16, the alleged victim, who was not identified, wanted to use a leg press machine at an LA Fitness in North Austin, but 69-year-old John David Makinson was already on it and told him to do something else, according to court documents obtained by KTBC.

Andrew Puno, another member of the gym, told KTBC that there are signs throughout the gym stating a time limit of 10 to 20 minutes for using equipment.

According to the court documents, the alleged victim waited for Makinson and then used the machine, and, after finishing a workout, went to the locker room. That's when Makinson is accused of yelling at the person.

The alleged victim then felt blood running down his leg and realized Makinson, who was armed with a knife, allegedly had stabbed him in the butt, officers said.

Makinson was chasing the victim through the bathroom, and gym staff urged the victim to go to the front of the gym, where others shielded him from Makinson, according to the court documents.

Another gym member was able to calm Makinson down until officers arrived.

During his arrest, Makinson allegedly told police, “I just got out of prison for this.”

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

Makinson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Court records reportedly show he was convicted of the same charge 11 years ago.

He was booked into the Travis County Correctional Complex and was being held on a $50,000 bond.

His next court appearance is scheduled for March 8.