Chicago, IL – A Wendy’s employee in Chicago’s West Chatham neighborhood was shot through a drive-thru window during an argument with a customer in the early hours of Thursday morning. The shocking incident highlights the growing concern for worker safety and the need for heightened security measures in fast-food establishments.
The 20-year-old woman was working at the drive-thru window on South Lafayette Avenue when a dispute emerged between her and a customer, ultimately escalating to gunfire. The victim sustained injuries to her right arm but is expected to recover. The altercation began when the driver claimed to have a DoorDash order, to which the Wendy’s worker responded that there was no such order.
The situation quickly escalated as the driver insisted on having the order remade, despite the absence of an order in the system. In an attempt to resolve the issue, the worker called over a manager, but the confrontation took a violent turn. The shooter, who remains at large, fired multiple shots through the drive-thru window before fleeing the scene.
In response to the incident, Wendy’s expressed deep concern and prioritized employee safety. They vowed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation undertaken by local law enforcement. The victim’s mother revealed that her daughter was a relatively new employee at Wendy’s.
While it is uncertain whether Wendy’s possesses video footage of the shooting, the drive-thru area where the incident occurred is equipped with multiple surveillance cameras. DoorDash has yet to respond to inquiries regarding any potential orders or system glitches.
As authorities search for the shooter, they are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The local community plays a vital role in supporting the investigation and ensuring justice is served.