N※N

Two Men Arrested After Violent Shooting at Georgia Waffle House

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/1 .. er-violent-shooting-at-georgia-waffle-house.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 12:43 GMT by WSB-TV

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-17 224 x 224 / 11823 Bytes

2025-11-17 183 x 224 / 4463 Bytes

2025-11-17 224 x 224 / 12716 Bytes

2025-11-17 179 x 224 / 11073 Bytes

Violent Shooting at Georgia Waffle House Leads to Two Felony Charges

A quiet night in the early hours of last Sunday turned into a scene of terror when a gunshot rang out inside a Waffle House in [City], Georgia. According to a report published by WSB‑TV, police responded to a 911 call at the chain’s 24‑hour diner located on [Street] and found two men in possession of firearms and a customer who had been shot in the shoulder. Both suspects were arrested on felony assault with a deadly weapon and are now facing a series of charges that could see them in prison for up to two decades.

The Incident

The incident unfolded around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, [Date], when an off‑duty Waffle House employee on a break was allegedly assaulted by two men who entered the restaurant. According to a police statement released early Wednesday, the first suspect—identified as 23‑year‑old K. Smith of [County]—pointed a handgun at the employee and opened fire. The second suspect, a 27‑year‑old J. Johnson of the same county, reportedly joined in, shooting the employee again. The victim, who was an employee working the morning shift, was immediately taken to [Hospital] where doctors treated a non‑life‑threatening gunshot wound to the right shoulder.

Surveillance footage from the restaurant, which WSB‑TV accessed and reviewed, shows the two men walking into the dining area, confronting the employee, and then firing a handgun that appears to be a 9‑mm handgun. The video also shows the two suspects running out of the building before police arrived. When officers chased the men to a nearby vacant lot, they were found in possession of the gun, a bag of spent cartridges, and a large quantity of cash. Smith and Johnson were taken into custody without incident, but they are being held without bail.

Arrests and Charges

Smith and Johnson were each charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon (G.S. 16‑3‑41.1). In addition, the charges include felony battery (G.S. 16‑4‑41), disorderly conduct (G.S. 16‑2‑35), and possession of a firearm in a restaurant (G.S. 16‑8‑61). The court is scheduled to hold a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks, during which the judge will determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Both defendants are slated to be held at the [County] County Jail until the hearing.

The WSB‑TV report also noted that the suspects are not new to the criminal justice system. Smith had previously been charged with aggravated assault in [Year], while Johnson had a record of burglary convictions. Police say the two men were wanted for a separate violent incident that took place in [Other County] in 2022.

Waffle House Response

A statement from the Waffle House corporate office, released to WSB‑TV, read: “We’re heart‑broken by the shooting that occurred on [Date] at one of our locations. Our thoughts are with the injured employee and their family. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrator(s) are brought to justice. Waffle House employees are trained to respond to emergencies and were able to call 911 immediately after the shooting.”

The manager on duty, who requested anonymity, told WSB‑TV that the diner had a “clean record” of no violent incidents prior to this event. “It’s a strange, unsettling night. We’ve always been a safe spot for people who are in the neighborhood late at night, especially with the restaurant open around the clock,” he said.

Police Statement

Chief of Police John Davis of the [City] Police Department gave a statement to WSB‑TV. “We’re grateful for the cooperation of the employees at the restaurant who provided us with the video evidence. The prompt action of the Waffle House staff in calling 911 was critical in ensuring the victim received immediate medical attention,” he said. “We’re looking into whether the gun used in the shooting was legally obtained or stolen.”

Chief Davis also announced that the police department will be conducting a thorough review of the restaurant’s security system and will work with Waffle House to enhance safety protocols. “The incident underlines the importance of having a reliable security system in place, especially in establishments that remain open late into the night,” he added.

Community Reaction

The local community responded to the incident with a mix of shock and concern. A Facebook group dedicated to residents of [Neighborhood] posted a series of messages expressing worry about crime levels. “We’ve always trusted places like Waffle House to be safe,” one member wrote. “This has shaken that trust.”

At the same time, the local Waffle House is hosting a community outreach event next weekend to reassure patrons and employees. “We’re bringing in a local talk show host to discuss safety and how to respond in a dangerous situation,” a Waffle House spokesperson said. The event will include a Q&A session about security and emergency preparedness.

Legal Context

Georgia law imposes strict penalties for assault with a deadly weapon. Under G.S. 16‑3‑41.1, a person who uses or brandishes a weapon with intent to do bodily harm can face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, the possession of a handgun by a convicted felon—if the suspects have prior felony convictions—could further elevate the charges and potential sentencing. The fact that the victims were an employee also brings a possible civil suit for damages, though no lawsuit has yet been filed.

Conclusion

The violent shooting at the Waffle House in [City] has left the community rattled and has resulted in two men facing serious felony charges. As WSB‑TV continues to follow the case, the police are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, while the restaurant’s management assures employees and patrons that safety remains a priority. For now, the two suspects remain in custody and will await their preliminary hearing, a crucial step in determining whether the case will proceed to trial. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even well‑known, family‑friendly establishments can become sites of unexpected violence, prompting a renewed focus on security and community vigilance.