Recent tension between the police and those they have sworn to protect has left Americans feeling on edge. While violent acts against the police are on the rise, others are taking less extreme measures. There have been many reports of businesses refusing service to police officers, however, these Zaxby’s employees had something else in mind.
On July 10, two unidentified deputies decided to have lunch at a local Zaxby’s restaurant while on duty. They entered the business in full uniform only to be met with scrutiny. One deputy’s wife decided to share the encounter on Facebook in an attempt to bring light to the situation.
She writes,”As they walked up to place their orders, the boys in the back cooking the food started yelling at them and calling them names.”
She goes on to explain that the officers paid no mind to the insults, choosing to place their orders despite the rudeness. But it didn’t stop there. Once the officers were finally served, they discovered their food had been tampered with. Employees added the spiciest hot sauce possible, making the officer’s wings inedible. The spice was so strong that the wings stung his fingers.
In response to the incident, Cleveland County Police Capt. Joel Shore released a statement saying, “Years ago, this profession was respected, it was honored. Now to get ridiculed, to be a target, to possibly get shot at, for little pay … what’s the motivation to be a police officer other than do it because your heart’s in it to help the community?”
Zaxby’s is now investigating the incident as the store’s owner, Neil Glezen, monitors the behavior of his employees closely. There is no word on whether the staff members responsible have faced any disciplinary action.