Popeyes worker accused of ripping out hair of customer who tried to fix an incorrect order
A woman is suing after allegedly being attacked by Popeyes employees after she tried to correct her order.
Customer Denetra Dawson filed a lawsuit on Friday, 4 August, nearly a year after she claims she was attacked by employees of a Popeyes restaurant on Cleveland Avenue in southwest Atlanta, Georgia.
Dawson claims she was in the drive-thru area of the establishment when employees came out and allegedly assaulted her. Three workers are said to be involved in the attack.
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The police report from September 2022 states an officer unit was dispatched to the restaurant in response to 'a dispute call'.
According to the document, Dawson said she received her order, realised it was incorrect and 'not satisfactory' and so asked to 'speak with a manager'.
The police statement continues: "The victim advised that two employees came out to her vehicle, and one of the employees that wears a nose ring, got inside her vehicle and started assaulting her.
"The victim advised that another employee [...] had also assaulted her in the drive-through of Popeye's Chicken."
Dawson is then said to have drawn her licensed firearm which caused the employees to walk away.
As per the report, Dawson suffered 'visible scratches to her face' alongside 'braids ripped from her head'.
Dawson told Fox 5 Atlanta: "I didn’t even think I was going to make it back to my kids. I simply went to get food for my kids, I still don't understand why me."
Dawson also notes she's now unable to 'get certain hairstyles' as a result of having one of her braids ripped out.
The mum says: "They took my identity. I take pride in my hair."
During the incident, one woman was charged with Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer - having scuffled with an officer when they tried to detain her daughter - and another two were charged with battery.
Dawson's lawsuit is against the three employees, but also the company that owns Popeyes.
Dawson's attorney attorney Mawuli Davis - from David Bozeman Law Firm - argues Popeyes was negligent in failing to do background checks on the employees, with the manager found to have a criminal history - two convictions of assault and 'multiple other criminal convictions'.
Davis stated: "This incident is an outrageous example of Popeyes’ failure to prioritize customer safety and well-being.
"By hiring a manager with a history of violence, Popeyes exhibited a reckless disregard for the safety of their patrons. The manager and two employees exited Popeyes and violently attacked her inside of her car.
"We are resolute in our commitment to holding the restaurant accountable for their actions and seeking justice for our client."
A spokesperson for Popeyes told Fox 5 Atlanta: "The franchisee of this restaurant confirmed the incident took place in September 2022, and the employees involved were immediately terminated.
"We cannot share any additional details as there is an active lawsuit related to this incident."
UNILAD has contacted Popeyes for comment.
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Poppy Bilderbeck