A St. Louis jury has delivered a guilty verdict against a man who unleashed a violent outburst at a local Steak ‘n Shake. Reginald Wright, 60, faced the law's gavel yesterday, and was convicted of multiple charges stemming from a July 7, 2024 incident where he pulled a gun on employees during an altercation over his fast food order. According to the Circuit Attorney's Office, Wright was found guilty of two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.
The confrontation began at the Steak 'n Shake on the 1200 block of Hampton Avenue in Clayton-Tamm, when Wright was displeased with his order, which he thought didn't live up to the advertised image. Despite receiving a refund, Wright’s anger escalated—he threw coins at an employee, this prompted a physical confrontation, when he then brandished and racked a loaded firearm. He proceeded to chase and pistol-whip a 21-year-old female employee, and also assaulted another employee who intervened.
Wright fled the scene but was soon apprehended by law enforcement with the assistance of the Real Time Crime Center, which helped identify his vehicle. Upon arrest, police found the operable firearm in his possession. During interrogations, Wright admitted to his role in the altercation, claiming it was in self-defense. However, surveillance footage showed otherwise, refuting his claims.
Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore condemned the act, stating, "This wasn’t a misunderstanding; it was a deliberate act of violence. Brandishing and using a loaded gun on unarmed employees inside a restaurant is indefensible." Wright’s past criminal record, which includes prior convictions for first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, have led to his classification as a prior and persistent offender. His sentencing is set for August 8, with Assistant Circuit Attorney Nicholas Hirst and Chief Trial Attorney Marvin O. Teer at the helm of the prosecution, as reported by the Circuit Attorney's Office.
