Texas Roadhouse Employee Shot in Shoulder After Scuffle with Customer Over Unpaid Bill in Louisville

KY Texas Roadhouse Employee Shot Allegedly Over Unpaid Bill

A Texas Roadhouse employee is recovering in stable condition after being shot in the shoulder by a customer who allegedly tried to leave the restaurant without paying for his meal, according to Louisville Metro Police. A Louisville Texas Roadhouse worker was shot in the shoulder after confronting a customer over an unpaid bill.

Shooting Occurred at a Louisville Restaurant

Officers responded to the restaurant around 6 p.m. Thursday after receiving reports of a shooting. When police arrived, they found an employee suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder and immediately began providing first aid. The victim was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Confrontation Allegedly Began Over Unpaid Tab

According to the arrest warrant, the employee noticed 24-year-old Ronald Winter attempting to leave the restaurant without paying for his food. The employee confronted Winter and grabbed his arm in an effort to stop him.

Police say Winter then reached for a gun tucked in his waistband. As the employee tried to tackle him to the ground, the weapon discharged, striking the employee in the shoulder.

Shooting Suspect Fled the Scene, Later Located

Despite being wounded, the employee was able to provide a description of Winter, who fled the restaurant in a red Ford Ranger. Witness accounts and surveillance footage helped investigators identify the suspect, police said.

The Bullitt County Sheriff's Office later located Winter and recovered a black handgun with a spent shell casing still in the chamber.

Suspect Faces Assault Charge

Winter has been charged with second-degree assault and is currently being held at the Bullitt County Jail.

Restaurant Responds to Employee Injured in Shooting

Texas Roadhouse issued a statement on social media thanking police for their response and confirmed that the injured employee was in stable condition and expected to be released from the hospital soon.

The factual information above was sourced from wbng.com as of June 15, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

When Violence Strikes at Work: Understanding Workers' Rights

Workplace shootings raise difficult questions for the people left to recover from them, both physically and financially. To better understand what legal protections exist for employees injured on the job, we spoke with Michael Haggard, a Kentucky attorney with years of experience representing crime victims. Their conversation covers the basics of workers' compensation, when a separate claim against a business might be possible, and what steps injured workers should take to protect themselves.

Editor Darla Medina: When a restaurant employee is shot while on duty, what are their first legal considerations?

Attorney Michael Haggard: The starting point is almost always workers' compensation. That covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. But workers' comp is just one piece of the puzzle, and it often isn't enough on its own.

Medina: Beyond workers' comp, what other avenues might an injured employee have?

Haggard: This is where premises liability comes in. If a business failed to provide adequate security, training, or safety protocols, the employee may have a separate claim against the business itself. Workers' comp typically doesn't compensate for pain and suffering, so a premises liability claim can fill that gap.

Medina: How do these two types of claims interact with each other?

Haggard: They can run alongside one another. Workers' comp is generally a no-fault system, so it moves faster, but it caps what you can recover. A premises liability claim takes longer and requires proving negligence, but it opens the door to broader damages, including emotional distress and long-term impacts on quality of life.

Medina: What should someone in this situation do first?

Haggard: Get medical attention and document everything, then talk to an attorney early. Evidence like surveillance footage and witness statements can disappear or become harder to access over time, so early legal guidance often makes a real difference in the outcome.

Medina: Any final advice for restaurant workers concerned about safety on the job?

Haggard: Know that you have rights beyond just clocking out and going to the doctor. Workplace violence cases are often more complex than people realize, and understanding your full range of options can affect both your recovery and your finances for years to come.

Need Legal Guidance? We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace shooting or similar incident, you don't have to face the legal process alone. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team can help you understand your rights and explore every option available to support your recovery.