A fast-food dispute turned violent when a Wendy’s manager allegedly opened fire on a customer following an argument over a chicken order at a restaurant in Memphis.
Terrence R. Phillips has been charged with first-degree felony assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, according to prosecutors. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $1 million bond at the local jail.
The shocking incident unfolded on March 20 in the drive-thru lane, where a disagreement between the customer and Phillips quickly escalated.
According to police documents, the customer told officers he was placing an order when he was asked to pull forward to the pickup window, something the manager later said was routine to allow time for fresh food preparation.
But tensions reportedly flared after the customer questioned the request, claiming the employee responded with a rude tone that continued at the window.
After receiving his order, the customer drove away but accidentally spilled his drinks, prompting him to return to the restaurant to complain.
When he attempted to raise the issue again at the drive-thru, he claimed the employee refused to engage with him.
The situation then took a dramatic turn.
Police say the customer drove around to the side of the building, where he encountered Phillips, who allegedly fired a shot toward the vehicle, striking it while the customer was inside.
Despite being hit, the man managed to drive himself away from the scene to a nearby residence, where emergency services were called.
Investigators later recovered surveillance footage that allegedly showed Phillips stepping outside before returning inside with what appeared to be a handgun.
Authorities said a single shell casing was found in the parking lot, while a firearm was later discovered hidden inside the restaurant’s walk-in freezer.
Further checks revealed the weapon had been reported stolen from the Norfolk Police Department.
Phillips, who identified himself as the store manager, told police the altercation had escalated after the customer became upset about being asked to wait for fresh food.
He also claimed the customer later returned and shouted racial slurs, and that the confrontation continued outside the building.
According to his account, he left the area after telling the driver to leave, though investigators say the evidence points to a shooting having taken place.
If convicted on all charges, Phillips could face up to 60 years behind bars.
He is due back in court for a bond review hearing on March 31 as the case continues to unfold.
