A workplace dispute at a Burger King on Deans Bridge Road erupted into a large brawl on Jan. 22, leading to the arrests of five employees after deputies said one worker pointed a gun at another during the melee. Authorities said no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
The incident drew multiple units from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and EMS to the restaurant at 3407 Deans Bridge Road just before 6 p.m. Investigators said the call initially came in as a possible shooting. When deputies arrived, they found several employees fighting. The confrontation, which began with a disagreement over tardiness, moved from heated words to physical blows, according to officials and local accounts. The franchise owner later terminated the employees involved, calling the behavior unacceptable as the case moves into the court system.
Deputies detained the workers at the scene and transported them to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Authorities said one employee had a handgun and pointed it at a co-worker during the fight, prompting the heightened response. Surveillance video did not capture the moment when the gun was displayed, according to local reports, and officials said no one at the scene signed a statement regarding the firearm. “Although no shots were fired, multiple employees were fighting upon deputies’ arrival,” the sheriff’s office said in its announcement. The restaurant reopened after the scene was cleared.
Arrest records and local reporting identified those booked as Anaja Kelly, 20; Malcolm Collier, 19; Octavione Collier, 19; Kailah Davis, 18; and a 17-year-old boy. All five face disorderly conduct charges tied to the altercation. A sixth person, a 22-year-old man, was also reported arrested in the aftermath, though it was not immediately clear whether he was employed at the restaurant. Deputies said identities and exact roles beyond the five employees remained under review as paperwork was finalized. No gun-specific charges were listed as of this week.
What set off the fight was straightforward: two workers arrived late for a shift, according to local accounts, and a manager’s attempt to address it escalated fast. The argument drew in more staff as tempers rose near the front counter and food-prep area. The scuffle continued as deputies reached the building. Patrons were steered away from the entrance by arriving units as employees were separated inside. Officials said EMS staged as a precaution but did not transport anyone. The sheriff’s office reiterated that callers reported gunfire, but investigators confirmed none occurred.
The Deans Bridge Road corridor is a busy commercial strip where routine calls can quickly draw a crowd at dinner hour. Large fast-food disturbances are uncommon but not unheard of in the region. In this case, authorities emphasized the quick law enforcement response and the lack of bystander injuries. Burger King said the franchisee moved to end the involved workers’ employment the same day. The statement said the conduct did not reflect training standards and that guest service and employee safety remained priorities for the location.
With disorderly conduct charges filed, the case will proceed in Richmond County State Court unless upgraded by prosecutors. Booking records list the five employees as released or awaiting first appearances; bond conditions were not immediately available. Investigators are expected to review additional camera angles and gather more statements from staff and customers. If prosecutors seek weapons-related counts, they would need corroborating evidence tying the gun to a specific person and conduct, which officials said is still being assessed.
Workers and nearby shop owners described a chaotic but short scene. One nearby employee said the parking lot filled quickly with cruisers as customers stepped back from the doors. Inside the restaurant, chairs were askew and a soda had spilled near the counter following the takedowns. “It went from loud voices to everybody yelling at once,” a neighboring clerk said, adding that the commotion subsided within minutes after deputies entered. Another witness said staff members looked shaken as they were led out to waiting units.
As of Sunday, five Burger King employees remain charged with disorderly conduct stemming from the Jan. 22 fight. Officials said additional updates, including court dates and any amended charges, will post to county records once finalized.
Author note: Last updated February 1, 2026.