Popeyes Manager Shoots Coworker After Heated Argument Over Burnt Biscuits

What began as a routine shift at a Popeyes restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, erupted into violence after a dispute over burnt biscuits allegedly led to gunfire and one manager in police custody.

Rodney Wood, 22, now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to Mecklenburg County arrest records. He was taken into custody around 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, following the incident at the Popeyes on South Boulevard.

Authorities say the conflict began when Wood got into a heated argument with another manager inside the restaurant. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the quality of the biscuits being served. According to police reports, the verbal altercation escalated, and the two managers decided to take the dispute outside.

Once outside, surveillance footage allegedly captured Wood firing two shots at point-blank range, striking his coworker once in the chest and once in the groin, as detailed in court documents.

The unnamed victim was rushed to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where they underwent emergency surgery. Their current condition has not been made public.

Wood fled the scene but was located shortly afterward in the same shopping plaza. During questioning, he claimed he had been punched three times and only fired “two warning shots.” Investigators, however, dismissed his self-defense claim, citing the severity and precision of the injuries.

Both individuals were reportedly managers at the location. Wood is currently being held on a $50,000 bond as the investigation continues.