MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis woman faces an aggravated assault charge after police say she threw hot cooking oil at two customers during an argument at a local Wingstop restaurant.
Authorities identified the employee as Johnisa Herring, 25. According to a complaint affidavit signed Monday, Herring was ordered to be taken into custody following the incident, which took place July 22 at the Wingstop on Winchester Road.
The confrontation began when two women entered the restaurant to pick up their order. While inside, the situation escalated into a heated dispute between the patrons and Herring, investigators said.
During the course of the argument, Herring allegedly retreated to the kitchen area, filled a bowl with hot cooking oil, and returned to the front counter. Police say she then threw the scorching oil at the two customers.
One of the victims was struck in the face and upper chest, resulting in severe burns. She was transported to a local hospital, where doctors determined she suffered second-degree burns covering nearly one-fifth of her body. The other woman was also burned on her right shoulder by the oil.
Medical officials confirmed that the more severely injured customer sustained significant injuries, making her identification of Herring as the assailant critical for the case. It remains unclear what sparked the initial disagreement inside the restaurant.
Law enforcement responded to the scene following the incident, leading to Herring’s arrest later on a $7,500 bond. Records indicated that she was released from the Shelby County Jail ahead of her scheduled court appearance.
Herring is expected to appear in court again on August 25 to face the aggravated assault charge.
The Wingstop chain, based in Texas, is known for its signature chicken wings and operates multiple locations across the greater Memphis area.