A workplace dispute at a North Carolina Popeyes turned violent when two managers took their argument over "burnt biscuits" outside, leaving one hospitalized and the other charged with attempted murder.
Rodney Wood, 22, was arrested the evening of Sunday, May 11, charged with first-degree attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to Mecklenburg County arrest records.
The altercation began inside the Charlotte Popeyes restaurant, where Wood reportedly clashed with a fellow manager. A witness told police the two employees were arguing about "burnt biscuits," according to an affidavit obtained by WBTV. When one manager "challenged" the other, the witness said, they both exited the restaurant and the confrontation turned physical.
The fight escalated when Wood allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the other manager twice — once in the groin and once in the chest — at point-blank range.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Wood discharging the weapon during the fight. The victim, whose identity has not been made public, was rushed to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for emergency surgery.
Wood fled the scene but was apprehended nearby in the same shopping center, authorities said. During questioning, Wood claimed self defense, alleging his coworker punched him three times and that he only fired "two warning shots," which were not intended to be lethal.
According to the affidavit, investigators determined that Wood "failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force necessary to support a self-defense claim under state law."
The relationship between Wood and the victim was reportedly already tense, and Wood had previously requested a transfer to another location. Instead, Wood is in jail, with his bond set at $50,000 bond.
