ST. LOUIS – Jurors found a St. Louis man guilty in court Tuesday for pistol-whipping multiple employees at a Steak ‘n Shake over his food order.

Court documents said the incident happened in July last year in the 1200 block of Hampton Avenue, located in the Clayton-Tamm, where 60-year-old Reginald Wright became upset with employees that his food did not match the photos that were presented on the menu.

Wright was given a refund, but the incident began to escalate after he started throwing coins at the employees. Prosecutors then claimed the 60-year-old pulled out a loaded gun and pointed it at the employee, who was a 21-year-old woman.

The 21-year-old employee retreated away, but Wright chased after her and pistol-whipped her with the gun. A male employee attempted to intervene but was also pistol-whipped by Wright.

Wright ended up fleeing the scene but was eventually caught and arrested by police. The gun that was used during the altercation was also located. According to Wright’s defense to the incident, he claimed self-defense.

However, the camera footage at the time of the event did not correspond to his claims.

“This wasn’t a misunderstanding; it was a deliberate act of violence,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe
Gore. “Brandishing and using a loaded gun on unarmed employees inside a restaurant is
indefensible.”

Wright was convicted of two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of second-degree assault and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.

His sentencing is planned for Aug. 8, 2025.