A Chipotle employee is now stabilized after a shooting incident occurred at a Southfield restaurant this past Friday. The 21-year-old Detroit man fell victim to a gunshot wound in the leg during his shift at the familiar Chipotle chain located at 26147 Evergreen Road. He was swiftly transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition, confirmed ClickOnDetroit.
The confrontation between the employee and a 31-year-old Detroit man reportedly escalated over something as seemingly trivial as guacamole. In an altercation that turned to chaos, authorities said, the suspect was said to then have calmly walked out of the restaurant after the incident, taking his time to leave before finally driving off. Southfield police were able to locate and arrest the suspect following the shooting, as detailed by FOX 2 Detroit.
Witnesses recounted the surreal scene, emphasizing the quick turn from a typical evening meal to near-disaster. "I was just eating a bowl and I heard shouting. And then I looked over, they're arguing. One of the workers went to the back, I don't know why, and then when he was in the back, the customer walked around the counter, tried to grab his food and put it in a bag," Thomas Huber, a bystander, told FOX 2 Detroit. "Then the employee came back, and they quickly started fighting, and then we heard a gunshot and just ran out as quick as we could."
The fateful event, captured on video by another customer, Michael Beals, has since spurred an ongoing investigation by local authorities. "It was loud, and then we all just ran out," Beals said to FOX 2 Detroit. Describing the suspect's unusual composure, Beals continued, "He took his time getting out… probably 30 seconds after [the shot was fired]. I was in my car and I saw him just walk out to his car, close the door, and just drive off – he didn’t speed off or anything, it was weird to see." Once police and emergency services arrived at the scene, the Chipotle location was closed, as reported by Detroit News.
The senseless act has raised questions among the Southfield community, spotlighting the volatility that can lurk in everyday encounters. Additional information will be provided as the police investigation continues.
