Man accused of shooting Waffle House employee after dispute over face mask

A Colorado man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he shot a Waffle House worker after being told to wear a face covering inside the restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kelvin Watson, 27, was arrested Monday by the Aurora Police Department, local Fox affiliate KDVR reported.

The man reportedly entered the restaurant after midnight on May 14 without a mask. A waitress told the man he needed one in order to be served, the outlet reported, citing an arrest affidavit.

He allegedly returned to the Waffle House with a mask but was not wearing it and was again told he could not be served. Police say they were told that the man put a gun on the restaurant’s counter and told a cook that he could “blow your brains out.”

The next day, authorities say Watson returned to the restaurant and was told that he could not be served. Watson is accused of slapping the cook across the face. As the employee ran through the back of the restaurant, Watson allegedly shot him in his chest or abdomen outside, KDVR reported, citing the court document.

The cook told authorities that he ran in the direction of his home while calling 911, the outlet noted. He was taken to a nearby hospital and released last week.

The Aurora Police Department confirmed to The Hill that the motivation for the shooting is still under investigation.

The city of Aurora does not currently have a mandate that residents wear masks or face coverings in public places.

“We are relieved to hear that Aurora police have made an arrest for this terrible crime, and greatly appreciate the diligence of local law enforcement,” Waffle House spokeswoman Njeri Boss said in a statement to The Hill.

“This case involves a senseless act of violence that should not be tolerated in any community. We are very thankful that neither of our associates who were working when the incident occurred, suffered any life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts and well wishes remain with our associate who was injured and now is recovering at home,” Boss added.