Popeyes Says They're Working With Authorities On PGC Stabbing

OXON HILL, MD — Popeyes says that it is working with authorities to help identify the culprit in a stabbing at an Oxon Hill restaurant in the chicken sandwich line, and they have been taking steps to reduce long lines.

A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death within seconds after he was confronted by someone who believed he was cutting in line for a chicken sandwich at the Popeyes Monday night, according to Prince George's County Police.

Popeyes said in a statement that they have been taking steps to alleviate the long lines caused by its newly released menu item.

"We, along with the franchisee, are fully cooperating with local authorities and actively working to gather more information," according to the statement, as reported by numerous outlets. "The safety of our guests and team is always a priority for us. Across the system, franchisees have worked to increase staffing and be ready to serve guests quickly and safely. Most Popeyes restaurants are franchised and additional onsite security matters are handled by the franchisees."

Prince George's County Police spokeswoman Jennifer Donelan previously told reporters that the argument started inside the Popeyes at 6247 Livingston Road between two men who were in line for the recently re-released sandwich. That argument spilled into the street, which led to the victim being stabbed to death, the report states.

Donelan said the argument may have started from someone cutting in line.

"Someone cut in front of the other," she said. "For you to get that angry over anything ... is a very sad and tragic day, and that person needs to turn himself in."

Donelan said the line was specifically for the chicken sandwich.

Police arrived and tried to save the man's life, but he died 51 minutes later at the hospital, Donelan said.

"It's just hard to put into words," she said, adding that police are asking any witnesses to come forward.

Director Jennifer Donelan update on fatal shooting in 6200 blk of Livingston Rd https://t.co/CQkznCF4PN
— PGPDNEWS (@PGPDNews) November 5, 2019

Popeyes' first release of its chicken sandwich went viral back in August, and the fast food chain quickly sold out of sandwiches, prompting them to suspend the item. They announced the sandwich's return on Sunday as an apparent deliberate shot at Chick-fil-A, which is closed on Sundays.

The sandwich certainly proved to be popular in Prince George's County. One local man even offered to deliver one for $138 on Craigslist.

The Popeyes chicken sandwich phenomenon has been the product of a bizarre social media campaign that has led to long wait times in stores. It all started when Popeyes posted a picture of their new chicken sandwich on Twitter on Aug. 12.

Fast food joints unveil new food items all the time. However, this one was different thanks to social media. Ever since then, Popeyes experienced long wait times for the sandwich and eventually stopped production altogether to gear up for Sunday's relaunch.