A Charlotte fast-food feud turned nearly fatal after a Popeyes manager shot his co-worker over burnt biscuits, police say. On Sunday, May 11, chaos unfolded at the Popeyes located on South Boulevard near Carolina Pavilion Drive—turning dinner service into a crime scene.
According to authorities, 22-year-old Rodney Wood, a shift manager at the chicken chain, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly shooting another employee over burnt biscuits.
Witnesses told police the argument between Wood and the other employee started over overcooked biscuits and escalated quickly when one man “challenged” the other to step outside. That invitation led to fists flying—and bullets too.
Once outside, Wood allegedly pulled a gun and fired two rounds at point-blank range, striking his co-worker in the groin and chest. The victim was rushed to Atrium Health Main in critical, life-threatening condition and underwent emergency surgery.
A viral video shared on social media shows the shocking moment the Popeyes manager shoots co-worker over burnt biscuits.
Popeyes Manager Shoots Co-Worker Over Burnt Biscuits
By the time officers arrived at the scene, Wood had fled. But not far. Authorities tracked him down just steps away within the same shopping center.
Wood later told police that the other man was also a manager and that he only fired two “warning shots” after being punched three times in the face. Unfortunately for him, police weren’t buying it.
Court records state Wood “failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force” to justify a self-defense claim. Even worse, it turns out the two had bad blood before—Wood had allegedly requested a transfer to avoid future conflicts with the same co-worker.
The investigation is ongoing.
