A South Carolina family’s disagreement over how to cook chicken escalated into a violent altercation, according to local law enforcement. Anthony Harper, 27, faces charges of second and third-degree assault and battery, stemming from the culinary dispute, as per the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Hope Harper, 25, is also charged with third-degree assault and battery. The argument, which was as much about family pride as it was about poultry, took a bizarre and violent turn.
The incident took place on a Sunday, as reported by Atlanta-based ABC affiliate WSB-TV. Deputies responded to a call about a domestic dispute at a residence on Cody Lane. Upon arrival, they discovered a series of violent exchanges between two individuals, sparked by a disagreement over the seasoning, or lack thereof, of the chicken being prepared by the man.
According to the woman’s account to investigators, she questioned the man about his failure to season the chicken properly to achieve a crispy crust. This query allegedly provoked a physical attack from him. Anthony Harper defended his culinary skills, stating that he knew how to cook and that their grandmother was going to season the chicken.
The situation escalated when Hope Harper reportedly insulted the man, calling him a “dumb dog.” This allegedly led to him pushing her into the kitchen table and punching her repeatedly. A third individual intervened, firing a 9 mm handgun into the ceiling to halt the assault, as per a report obtained by Charleston-based NBC affiliate WCBD. However, the pause in violence was short-lived.
During a moment of calm, Hope Harper allegedly pursued the man around the house with a steak knife. The man sought refuge at his grandmother’s bedroom door, fearing for his life. The grandmother emerged from her room, wielding a broom to ward off the woman until she relinquished the knife.
The temporary peace was again disrupted when Anthony Harper allegedly sprayed Hope Harper with a can of Raid insecticide. She reportedly retaliated by grabbing the can and spraying him in return. Upon the arrival of deputies, both parties insisted on pressing charges against each other, leading to their arrest that night. They were subsequently released on bond on Tuesday.