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Police in Lancaster County, South Carolina, are seeking two people after video captured an attack on a Chipotle employee that investigators say began when the customers were told an extra serving of chicken would cost more. Arrest warrants were issued this week, underscoring renewed attention on safety for service workers and how quickly routine disputes can escalate.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened Dec. 10 at a Chipotle location in Indian Land, a community just south of Charlotte. According to investigators, a 20-year-old employee told the customers that adding extra protein would increase the price, prompting a verbal exchange.
What police say happened
After finishing her shift at about 9 p.m., the employee left the restaurant. Deputies say a short time later, one of the customers — identified by police as Jamel Williams, 36 — entered the dining area and confronted the worker. Surveillance and witness footage show the worker falling to the floor as the confrontation turned physical.
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Authorities allege Williams pushed the employee down, struck her and pulled her hair. The second suspect, identified as Kayla Pyle, 34, is accused of joining the assault. Video posted online depicts bystanders shouting for the attackers to stop while one person in red pants appears to deliver a large punch.
Responding officers found the scene after the suspects had already left in a Dodge Charger, according to the sheriff’s office.
Evidence and law enforcement response
Investigators say store surveillance, a witness recording and descriptions from people at the scene — including the vehicle’s tag number — helped identify the pair. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department during the probe.
- Date: Dec. 10
- Location: Chipotle, Indian Land, S.C.
- Victim: 20-year-old employee (unnamed)
- Suspects: Jamel Williams, 36; Kayla Pyle, 34
- Vehicle: Dodge Charger (witnesses reported plate number)
- Evidence: store video, witness video, eyewitness descriptions
- Charges: arrest warrants for assault and battery (first degree for Williams; second degree for Pyle)
Sheriff Barry Faile described the attack as unprovoked and said investigators want the two suspects to surrender so the judicial process can proceed. Police have publicly urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Fox News Digital reached out to Chipotle for comment; the restaurant had not responded to requests for information at the time of reporting.
For readers, the episode highlights two clear issues: the immediate human cost when workplace confrontations become violent, and the role of on-site and bystander video in identifying suspects and moving criminal cases forward. Authorities have signaled they will pursue the case through the courts now that warrants are in hand.
Anyone with tips about the incident or the whereabouts of Williams or Pyle is asked to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains active.
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