A workplace altercation between two managers at a Charlotte fast-food restaurant reportedly escalated into gunfire over a disagreement involving burnt biscuits.

A 22-year-old manager at a Popeyes location in North Carolina is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting a coworker twice during a heated dispute that started inside the restaurant, as People reports.

The incident took place on Sunday, May 11, at a Popeyes restaurant located along South Boulevard in Charlotte. Authorities say Rodney Wood, an on-duty manager, became embroiled in an argument with another manager during a routine shift. According to a customer who was present, the disagreement was over burnt biscuits served during the day.

Tensions escalated quickly between the coworkers, with the situation reportedly spilling out of the kitchen and into the parking lot outside. Witnesses told authorities that after a comment led to one employee challenging the other, the argument turned physical. Both Wood and the other manager exited the building, where the confrontation became violent.

Once outside, the physical altercation reportedly intensified. During the fight, Wood allegedly pulled a firearm and shot his coworker twice at close range. Surveillance footage viewed by investigators appears to confirm this sequence, allegedly showing Wood firing at point-blank distance.

Surveillance video supports eyewitness accounts

According to court documents, the surveillance video documented the shooting and served as key evidence during the initial investigation. It allegedly captured the moment Wood fired his weapon, striking the victim in the groin area and the chest. Customers were still inside the restaurant when the incident happened, but no one else was reported injured.

The wounded manager, whose identity had not been released at the time of publication, was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. Emergency surgery followed, and his current condition has yet to be made public by authorities or the hospital.

Wood fled the scene immediately after the incident, but police apprehended him shortly afterward within the same shopping center complex. Arrest records from Mecklenburg County show he was taken into custody around 6 p.m. that evening, with charges filed following preliminary reviews of the surveillance footage and witness accounts.

Suspect claims self-defense after arrest

After he was detained, Wood reportedly told investigators that his coworker had initiated physical violence by punching him three times in the face. He claimed that he discharged his weapon not with the intent to kill, but to issue “warning shots.” He insisted he did not aim to cause serious harm.

However, law enforcement officials and court documents challenge this version of events. Investigators wrote in affidavits that Wood did not provide a justifiable cause for using deadly force and "failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat." Under North Carolina law, self-defense claims involving firearms require a clear and immediate danger to one's life, which authorities argue was not present in this case.

Both Wood and the injured coworker were employed as managers at the South Boulevard Popeyes location, according to reporting from WCNC. Their specific roles have not been released, and Popeye's corporate has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.

Bond set for Wood

Rodney Wood is currently being held on a $50,000 bond, facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. His first court appearance is expected later this month, with the case likely to draw increased public attention due to the bizarre nature of the reported motive.

Efforts to reach the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office for further comment were made by multiple media outlets on Saturday, May 17, but no response was received at the time of reporting. Representatives have yet to clarify whether any further action will be taken regarding the restaurant or the individuals involved.

The Popeyes location where the incident occurred remained open, though it's unclear whether either of the individuals involved had returned to work prior to the shooting. Customers in the area expressed concern, particularly over the apparent trivial nature of the argument that led to such severe violence.

Lessons to learn

1. Workplace disputes can quickly become dangerous. Even ordinary disagreements, such as those over food preparation or performance, can spiral if not managed professionally. Businesses should prioritize employee conflict resolution training and ensure a safe environment for staff and customers alike.

2. Carrying firearms to work can elevate risk. In situations involving heated exchanges, the presence of a weapon often increases the likelihood of severe injury or death. Employees should always adhere to workplace policies on weapons and employers must enforce related regulations consistently.

3. Warning signs should not be ignored. Sudden tempers, previous arguments, or escalating resentment can be indications of a potential future conflict. Coworkers and supervisors are encouraged to report concerning behavior early. Still, it is crucial to recognize that violent crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

Why this story matters

This story highlights the concealed risks everyday workers may face in common job environments, even over seemingly minor disagreements.

It underscores the need for conflict de-escalation training and stronger workplace safety protocols. Public interest in this case also reflects community concern over rising incidents of gun violence in nontraditional settings.