Popeyes employee fired after being accused of selling drugs, shooting at person who came to buy while on the clock

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – An employee at a northeast Harris County Popeyes restaurant was arrested after authorities said he was selling drugs while working and shot at someone during a drug exchange gone wrong.

Harris County Pct. 4 constables responded to reports of a shooting at the Popeyes restaurant located in the 8400 Block of FM 1960 Bypass Road West around 4 p.m.

Deputies said the employee, identified as Yadiel Gonzalez, was selling marijuana while on the clock.

Authorities said the employee was actively selling drugs while only working at the restaurant.

“The employee was working the drive-thru or working the front cash system. And if an individual comes into the restaurant or a vehicle comes through the drive-thru with the smell of marijuana emitting from their person and or the vehicle, he would pass them a phone number and let them know he is selling the marijuana himself and to call him if they needed some,” said Capt. Buddy Gheen with the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office.

Further investigation revealed that an unknown man went into the restaurant to purchase marijuana from Gonzalez. While the two men were inside the restroom conducting the sale, the unknown man tried to steal Gonzalez’s backpack, which contained the drugs.

The fight escalated to the outside of the restaurant where Gonzalez pulled out a gun and shot at the unknown man at least seven times.

It’s not clear if the unknown man was shot, deputies said he ran off.

Deputies recovered the backpack containing the drugs and the gun from a trash bin and arrested Gonzalez. He has since been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, deadly conduct, and tampering with evidence.

Popeyes corporate office released a statement on the incident.

“This dangerous and unacceptable behavior involved a teenager who was employed for less than a month at this Texas restaurant. The employee involved was immediately terminated, and the franchisee who owns this restaurant is sharing everything with the local police”

It was revealed in court that Gonzalez is 19-years-old.

Gonzalez’ bond has been set at $20,100.