A Food Order Dispute Turns Violent in Baton Rouge
A wrong food order at a Baton Rouge restaurant turned into a violent confrontation that now carries serious criminal charges. Police continue searching for Daylin Woods and Savannah Spears after a February incident at LJK Roun 2 Café on Flannery Road.
According to an arrest warrant, Woods ordered a to-go meal from the restaurant. After leaving, he called the business to complain that the order was incorrect. Employees reported that Woods yelled and cursed during the call while staff attempted to resolve the issue.
The situation escalated when Woods and Spears returned to the restaurant. Witnesses told police the pair acted loudly and aggressively toward employees.
Gunfire Inside the Restaurant
Investigators say Woods placed a gun on the restaurant counter during the confrontation. Employees immediately contacted the owner. She instructed staff to hide in the walk-in freezer while she waited for police to arrive.
The owner repeatedly told Woods and Spears to leave the property. Instead, the confrontation escalated into gunfire. Police say Woods and the owner exchanged shots, and a bullet struck the owner in the abdomen.
After the shooting, Woods allegedly fired additional shots into the building before leaving the scene.
Authorities issued arrest warrants charging Woods with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and aggravated criminal damage to property. Spears faces charges as a principal to those crimes.
When a Complaint Becomes a Crime
Legal experts say customers have the right to complain about poor service or incorrect orders. However, the law sets clear limits on how someone may respond.
A private business can ask a customer to leave at any time. Once someone refuses that order, the situation becomes criminal trespassing. Introducing a firearm into an argument escalates the situation further and may qualify as assault with a firearm.
Self-Defense Law Favors the Restaurant Owner
Under Louisiana law, an aggressor cannot claim self-defense. Investigators believe Woods became the aggressor when he displayed the gun during the dispute.
That action allowed the restaurant owner to legally defend herself and protect employees inside the building.
The incident also forced the restaurant to temporarily close while the owner recovers.