A Kentucky man is facing criminal charges after police say he shot a Texas Roadhouse employee who tried to stop him from leaving the restaurant without paying.
The shooting happened Thursday, June 11, shortly after 6 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse on Old Outer Loop in Louisville, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Officers rushed to the restaurant after receiving reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
Police provided aid until EMS arrived. The victim was then taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Officers arrested 24-year-old Ronald Winter of Louisville at the scene. He was charged with second-degree assault.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by local outlets, the incident began when a restaurant employee allegedly saw Winter trying to leave without paying his bill.
The employee confronted Winter and grabbed him by the arm, the warrant states.
Winter then allegedly reached for a gun in his pocket or waistband. When the employee tried to tackle him, the gun went off and the employee was shot in the shoulder, according to the affidavit.
The restaurant temporarily closed while police investigated the shooting.
The next day, the Texas Roadhouse location announced on Facebook that it would reopen at 3 p.m.
“We want to extend our thanks to our local first responders for their assistance, as well as to the Louisville community for your support and concern for our Roadies and guests,” the restaurant wrote. “We look forward to serving you today.”
Winter was booked into the Bullitt County Jail before being transferred to the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Online jail records show he remains held on a $25,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 22, for a preliminary hearing. It is not clear whether he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
