MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) – A strange and troubling incident at a Murfreesboro Wendy’s has now led to criminal charges for a former manager accused of taking a TikTok trend to an extreme. Murfreesboro Police say 19‑year‑old Michiko Burton was arrested Thursday after detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division served warrants stemming from an August incident inside the South Church Street restaurant.
According to investigators, Burton allegedly tied an employee—described as neurodivergent—to a grill workstation on August 30, 2026. When officers first spoke with Burton on September 6, she reportedly claimed the act was part of a TikTok prank. The case was then referred to Adult Protective Services before being handed to the MPD Special Victims Unit for a deeper look.
Detectives say the investigation confirmed enough evidence to obtain warrants for simple assault and false imprisonment, both misdemeanor charges. Burton was taken into custody and booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond.
The case now heads to General Sessions Court, where Burton is scheduled to appear on October 22.
Police have not released additional details about the employee involved, but the incident has sparked conversations about workplace safety, social media “challenges,” and the responsibilities of those in supervisory roles.
Dining and Cooking