The woman, who is not immediately being identified by Weldon police, caused about $5,000 in damages and also harmed herself in the process, Deputy Chief James Avens said.
The matter occurred at Waffle House. No customers were inside at the time of the disturbance.
Officer Noland Coles was flagged down by employees shortly before 2:15 a.m. and encountered a woman who began cursing and blocked employees from leaving.
The woman, armed with a boxcutter, went back in the restaurant and locked the door so no one could enter.
Two employees locked themselves in the bathroom until officers could gain access
Before officers entered the restaurant the woman broke a sink in the men’s restroom, broke the cash register, damaged food and broke a hot plate, Avens said.
Cole and Officer Lloyd Melton gained access to the building after the manager came and unlocked the door. They got the employees out.
They then detained the woman, who was transported to Halifax Regional Medical Center by Halifax County EMS for mental evaluation and treatment of self-inflicted wounds apparently sustained in the process of breaking items inside.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department assisted.
What caused the disturbance is not immediately clear, Avens said. The woman had been in restaurant prior to the outburst.