Popeyes Worker Accused of Shooting at Van Following Altercation

An 18-year-old employee at a Popeyes restaurant in New Jersey has been charged after an incident in which he allegedly shot at a moving vehicle, injuring a driver. The worker, Christian Ruiz, claims he acted in self-defense following an unprovoked attack outside the restaurant.

According to police reports, Ruiz was assaulted by a group of six individuals in the parking lot of the Mays Landing Popeyes on June 9. The group reportedly confronted Ruiz after hours, as the restaurant had just closed, seeking revenge over damage to their vehicle. During the altercation, Ruiz sustained injuries to his face, head, and neck.

As the assailants attempted to leave, Ruiz allegedly fired shots at their car, striking the driver in the head. The injured motorist was hospitalized at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment. Ruiz, who also sought medical attention, was arrested the following day.

Legal Proceedings and Community Reactions

Ruiz’s lawyers stated the group approached him after dark, planning a retaliation for a perceived car mishap. They argued Ruiz’s use of a firearm was a response to an assault, but a judge indicated that employing a gun was “disproportionate” force given the circumstances. Despite the charges, Ruiz was released from custody while awaiting trial, with the judge describing the decision as a “close call.”

Employees at Popeyes described Ruiz as a dedicated worker who had never missed a shift and had a job waiting for him once the case concludes. He faces 23 charges, including multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm into a vehicle.

Neither Ruiz’s legal team nor local authorities responded to requests for comments on the case.