Restaurant worker shot by customer during dispute over order

PINE HILLS, Fla. — A fight over fast food led to a worker getting shot Thursday at Leroy's Jamaican Cuisine in Pine Hills, authorities said.

Investigators said a customer, who is a regular, walked in and placed an order. Once the order was ready, the customer argued with the employee over the price before pulling out a gun and shooting the woman several times, authorities said.

"He orders some food. When the food is ready and placed on the counter, the subject asks how much money. The conversation escalates and the customer pulls out a firearm, shoots through the window," said Jeff Williamson of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

"We heard about eight to seven shots.  From there, everybody just evacuated to the back," said witness Malike Saunders. "When I came around the corner, I seen the lady laying there, saying, 'Help me. Help me.'"

The victim was shot twice and taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Her name has not been released.

"To shoot a woman and run, coward," said Saunders.

Authorities described the suspect as a black man in his 20s, but gave no other details. Witnesses said he fled north on Hastings Street.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeLine.

WFTV