Coronavirus: Man allegedly shoots a Waffle House employee after being told to wear a face covering

Kelvin Watson, 27, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder

Police arrested Kelvin Watson following him shooting a Waffle House employee in Colorado (KDVR)

A man has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly shot a Waffle House employee when he was told to wear a mask in the restaurant, Colorado authorities said.

Kelvin Watson, 27, was arrested by police with the Aurora Police Department for attempted first-degree murder, KDVR reported after obtaining the arrest affidavit.

The altercation started just after midnight on 14 May at a Waffle House in the Denver suburb of Aurora.

Watson first went to the restaurant earlier in the evening to purchase takeout food when he was told by an employee he would not be served without a face covering. The restaurant was only offering carry-out services due to the coronavirus pandemic and had signs stating all customers must wear masks.

A waitress said Watson then pulled out a small silver semi-auto handgun and placed it on the counter, but did not point it at anyone. He then told the cook, “I can blow your brains out right now.”

Another man with Watson told him to calm down, the waitress said, and apologised for his behaviour before they left the restaurant.

The following night, 15 May, Watson again returned to the restaurant just after midnight, police said.

The same cook told Watson he would not be served, according to court documents. Watson then allegedly slapped the cook across the face before the employee made a run for the back of the restaurant.

Once outside, the cook said Watson made statements like, “You better shut the f*** up and serve me.”

The cook was then shot in the chest or abdomen. He called 911 while making a run for his house and was later taken to the hospital where he is recovering from his injuries.

Police arrested Watson on Monday after the shooting.

Njeri Boss, director of public relations for Waffle House, issued a statement on Tuesday following the crime:

“We are relieved to hear that Aurora police have made an arrest for this terrible crime, and greatly appreciate the diligence of local law enforcement. This case involves a senseless act of violence that should not be tolerated in any community. We are very thankful that neither of our associates who were working when the incident occurred, suffered any life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts and well wishes remain with our associate who was injured and now is recovering at home.”

Watson is being prosecuted by the local district attorney’s office.