Wingstop Worker Arrested After Throwing ‘Hot Cooking Oil’ onto Customers

A Wingstop run turned into a nightmare for two women in Memphis, Tennessee, after a heated confrontation with an employee allegedly ended in a violent and painful attack.

According to police, 25-year-old Johnisa Herring is facing an aggravated assault charge after she allegedly hurled a bowl of hot cooking oil at two customers during an argument at the Wingstop on Winchester Road.

The incident happened on July 22, but an arrest warrant wasn’t signed until days later, on Monday. Authorities say the altercation began when the two women entered the restaurant to pick up a food order. At some point, things escalated between the women and Herring, leading to an explosive and dangerous reaction.

Instead of defusing the situation, police say Herring left the counter, went into the kitchen, filled a bowl with hot cooking oil, and returned to throw it directly at the women.

One of the victims was struck in the face and upper body and suffered second-degree burns to nearly 19% of her body. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The second woman was hit on the shoulder and also sustained burns, though less severe.

The more seriously injured woman later identified Herring as the person who attacked them, according to an affidavit. What exactly sparked the argument remains unclear.

Herring was arrested and booked into Shelby County Jail on a $7,500 bond. She was no longer listed in the jail’s inmate roster by Saturday, indicating she may have been released. Her next court date is scheduled for August 25.

The shocking incident has raised eyebrows and sparked concern, especially given that it occurred in a family-friendly fast-food chain best known for serving up spicy wings—not scalding violence.

Wingstop, a Texas-based chain famous for its chicken wings, has not yet issued a public statement about the incident.