Fast food chain Popeyes has not been having a good day…or few months. The restaurant was thrust back into the headlines recently as one employee at a Texas franchise was arrested after shooting a customer when a drug deal went wrong.
According to KPRC2, the employee Yadiel Gonzalez used his time on the clock at the fast food chain to sell marijuana on the side. Captain Buddy Gheen of Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office stated that if customers came into the restaurant or through the drive-thru with marijuana smell, Gonzalez would provide them with a phone number and let them know he was selling marijuana himself.
It’s been a lot of drama in fast food in Houston this week.
A Popeyes employee is behind bars, accused of shooting at a customer who attempted to steal from him during a drug transaction on Wednesday, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4.https://t.co/lat1c1tG7C
— Mycah Hatfield (@MycahABC13) September 28, 2023
One of Gonzalez’s alleged customers didn’t feel like paying for their purchase and instead attempted to steal his backpack full of drugs. A fight ensued as this person tried to make off with Gonzalez’s backpack and moved outside where they took off running away from him.
It is then reported that Gonzales shot multiple times at this unnamed individual though their condition remains unknown.
Police soon arrived on scene and located the backpack in a nearby trashcan before arresting Gonzalez who faces charges including evidence tampering and illegally carrying a weapon, among other charges according to KPRC2.
Popeyes released a statement confirming his firing along with cooperation from its franchise owners as well as law enforcement though no further information has been provided regarding any potential legal consequences for Gonzalez or any update regarding the health status of the person injured by gunfire in this incident.
Unfortunately, incidents such as these are not isolated occurrences involving Popeyes locations across America over recent months.
In fact, just last year two customers were reportedly assaulted at Massachusetts and California outlets while one Memphis-area outlet was temporarily closed due to roach infestations which prompted bad press for Popeyes nationwide even leading many customers to question whether they will continue patronizing these restaurants.
