Popeyes
State News

Popeyes Manager Shoots Co-Worker After Fight Over Burnt Biscuits, Police Say

@SpectacularMag Staff

CHARLOTTE, NC – A dispute over burnt biscuits turned violent at a Charlotte Popeyes, leaving one man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and a restaurant manager charged with attempted murder.

Incident Details

The shooting happened around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, in the parking lot of the Popeyes restaurant, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

Popeyes
Wood

Witnesses told officers that an argument between Rodney Wood, 22, a manager at the restaurant, and another male employee began inside over a batch of burnt biscuits. The disagreement escalated into a physical fight, with the two men reportedly taking it outside and challenging each other to a fistfight.

During the altercation, Wood allegedly pulled out a gun and fired two shots, striking the other employee in the chest and groin.

Victim’s Condition & Arrest

Officers arriving at the scene found the victim in the Popeyes parking lot. He was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Wood fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police. Although he claimed self-defense, CMPD determined that he “failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force” to justify the use of a firearm under North Carolina state law.

Charges & Court Info

Wood is charged with:

  • First-degree attempted murder

  • Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill

He is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail under a $500,000 secured bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 29.

Call for Information

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or submit an anonymous tip online.