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Arizona

Phoenix Wendy's employee shot in head; suspect in custody, police say

The altercation reportedly started when a customer complained the restaurant was out of barbecue sauce

By Lawrence Richard Fox News
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A teenage employee at a Wendy's in Phoenix was hospitalized in critical condition this week after being shot in the head at the fast-food restaurant, officials said.

Brian Durham Jr., 16, was rushed to a hospital Thursday after a dispute in which he was reportedly not involved escalated into gunfire, FOX 10 of Phoenix reported.

"The customer reportedly walked up to the drive-thru window, pulled out a handgun and fired into the drive-thru window hitting the victim working inside the store," said Sgt. Vincent Cole of the Phoenix Police Department.

PHOENIX POLICE RELEASE BODYCAM VIDEO IN DEADLY SHOOTING OF MAN WHO TOLD OFFICERS HE HAD A GUN

The assailant fled the crime scene but was later arrested, Cole said. He was later identified as Theotis Polk, 27, according to the station.

Durham Jr.’s father, Brian Durham Sr., said the incident started when the customer complained the restaurant did not have barbecue sauce, FOX 10 reported.

"My son just stayed quiet and had the guy’s change in his hand," Durham Sr. told the news outlet. "[He] just stayed quiet while the other two was in confrontation."

On Saturday, Wendy's is offering customers a free Frosty or a free order of fries in any size with a purchase, for National Drive-Thru Day.

On Saturday, Wendy's is offering customers a free Frosty or a free order of fries in any size with a purchase, for National Drive-Thru Day. (iStock)

The father was notified of the shooting when his son was rushed to the hospital. 

"It was very nerve-wracking, hearing that your son got shot because you don't know what. Is his leg shot? Is he dead? Lot of things is racing through your mind," Durham Sr. told the outlet.

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The bullet that struck Durham Jr. only grazed his head and did not hit his brain, Durham Sr. told FOX 10.

"Do you believe in miracles?" he said. "Yeah, this was a miracle today, 'cause my son ain't supposed to be standing. If he would have switched two seconds to the left, maybe one, he would have been gone."