A fight at a Cracker Barrel in Grovetown on Sunday briefly disrupted the restaurant after pepper spray filled part of the dining room, affecting employees and customers, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Several employees who tried to break up the fight were exposed to the pepper spray and were treated at the scene by Columbia County Fire Rescue and Gold Cross EMS. Some customers also experienced mild irritation from the spray in the air.
The restaurant returned to normal service after a short time, said Maj. Andy Shedd with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened around 12:36 p.m. Sunday at the Cracker Barrel at 460 Park West Drive. Shedd said deputies learned that 22-year-old server Sameelya Grant had been pepper-sprayed and punched several times by two women.
Investigators believe the attack was in retaliation for a fight at a club in Richmond County the night before, Shedd said. The suspects left the restaurant in a vehicle after the attack.
One suspect, 21-year-old Jania Bush of Augusta, is accused of using the pepper spray. She has warrants for battery and reckless conduct, according to Maj. Shedd. Authorities are working with Bush to arrange for her to turn herself in.
The second suspect, 19-year-old Zabrianna McCladdie of Hephzibah, is accused of punching Grant. She has a warrant for simple battery, Shedd said. Authorities are also working with McCladdie to arrange for her to turn herself in.
The pepper spray affected more than just the people involved in the fight, as employees and customers inside the restaurant were exposed to it. Maj. Shedd said the effects were mild for some patrons, and the restaurant was able to resume normal operations shortly afterward.
Dining and Cooking