In an unsettling incident that shook the community of Southfield, Michigan, roughly 20 minutes south of Detroit, a disagreement over guacamole at a Chipotle Mexican Grill escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the shooting of an employee. The incident, which occurred on a bustling Friday evening, April 5, 2024, just before 7 p.m. at the popular eatery’s location on Evergreen Road near Civic Center Drive, has shocked residents and patrons over the violence spurred by what began as a typical customer service dispute.
According to eyewitness accounts, the disagreement ignited when a customer, reportedly dissatisfied with the portion of guacamole served with his meal, vocally confronted the staff. The employee involved in the spat briefly left, disappearing behind the counter.
A diner witnessed the customer circle the counter, attempt to take his meal, and pack it away while the employee was momentarily in the back of the establishment. “When the staff member returned, a confrontation ensued, followed by a gunshot, prompting us to flee immediately,” the witness recounted.
“I was just enjoying my meal when I heard raised voices,” shared a witness, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and everyone started to panic and run. It’s surreal that something as trivial as guacamole could lead to such violence.”
A bystander who recorded the altercation noted the assailant “casually left” post-shooting. “Observing from my vehicle, I watched him calmly enter his car, shut the door, and leave without hastening, which was peculiar to witness,” they commented.
The Southfield Police Department swiftly responded to the scene, providing first aid to the injured employee before transporting him to a local hospital. The victim, a 21-year-old male employee of the Chipotle location, was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg. Hospital officials have reported his condition as stable and expect a full recovery.
Police have confirmed the arrest of 32-year-old Aaron Michael Brown from Detroit in connection with the shooting. Police apprehended Brown nearby, in the vicinity of Arbor Lofts on Civic Center, where the firearm involved was also seized.
The Southfield Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the altercation. The suspect is accused of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, discharging a firearm within a building causing injury, and two counts related to the illegal possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Southfield resident Leilah Kakaire expressed disbelief over the situation, noting her fondness for guacamole but condemning violence over such disputes. “I adore guacamole myself, but the idea of resorting to shooting over it is unfathomable,” she remarked. Kakaire, who hoped to visit Chipotle on Saturday for a meal, found the establishment closed after the shooting. “I hadn’t anticipated it being closed, though I suppose it was possible,” she added.
In the aftermath of the incident, Chipotle issued a statement expressing its concern and support for the injured employee and reiterating its commitment to the safety of its staff and customers. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our team member who was injured in this senseless act of violence,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation and are hopeful for a swift and just resolution to this matter.”
On Sunday, Brown was arraigned at the 46th District Court by Magistrate Melissa King, facing felony charges for assault, discharging a weapon in a building, and felony firearm possession. His cash bond was set at $20,000.
