An on-duty security guard who works at the World Trade Center site is accused of stabbing a man at a nearby McDonald's. 

Police say they responded to the restaurant on Broadway near Liberty Street just after 3:30 a.m.

Investigators say the 55-year-old guard, Saul Puente, and the 20-year-old man got into a physical dispute inside the McDonald's.

The security guard allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed the victim in the chest and face before running away.

Officials found the guard a few blocks away at Church Street.

They say he's employed by Port Authority contractor, Allied Barton Security Services. 

People we spoke with say they're suprised. 

"I work right above this McDonald's, so that is disturbing," one man said.

NY1: "Would you have expected that to happen here?"

Woman: "No, not at all, not at all. I don't expect this to happen not at all, especially in the city. This is where things are— with cops, security walking. I never expected that."

Both were taken to separate hospitals in stable condition.

Allied Barton says it's cooperating with the investigation.