A former Colorado chief executive officer has been sentenced to 30 months of probation following a physical altercation with a teenager that gained widespread attention on social media. Lucas Kalisher, 57, received the sentence on February 23, 2026, in Larimer County District Court.
The incident occurred on August 4, 2024, at an In-N-Out Burger location. Surveillance footage and bystander accounts documented a confrontation between Kalisher and a 15-year-old male.
The teenager reportedly splashed water on Kalisher’s wife while interacting with friends. Although the youth reportedly approached the table to apologize for the accident, the situation escalated into a physical encounter.
Footage shows Kalisher lunging at the teenager, grabbing him by the neck with both hands, and forcing him backward onto the floor. While pinning the boy down, Kalisher was recorded demanding an apology and criticizing the teenager's behavior toward his wife.
Bystanders observed the event as the teenager remained on the ground for several seconds before the confrontation ended. Law enforcement subsequently identified Kalisher as the former CEO of Summit Source Funding, a private-equity firm based in Boulder.
Kalisher was initially facing charges of felony second-degree assault and misdemeanor child abuse. He later reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to a reduced charge of attempted second-degree assault by strangulation.
The sentencing terms include several conditions beyond the 30-month probation period. Kalisher must undergo a mandatory anger management evaluation and participate in any recommended treatment programs.
Additionally, the court ordered him to perform 120 hours of community service and pay restitution to the victim. He is also required to draft a formal letter of apology to the teenager involved in the incident.
The case has sparked significant debate across social media platforms, where the video has accumulated millions of views. Public reaction remains divided regarding the proportionality of the physical response.
Some observers argue the response was a justified defense of his spouse, while others maintain that the physical force used against a minor was excessive. The court records indicate that no serious injuries were sustained by the teenager.
Legal analysts noted that the reduction of charges and lack of jail time often occur in cases where the victim does not require significant medical attention. This sentence marks the final legal resolution for the case.