Customer brandishes gun at KFC after payment card is declined for a two-piece meal.

A recent incident at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in East Hartford, Connecticut, brought attention to the quick thinking and bravery of a cashier who prevented a robbery. The event unfolded on the evening of July 28, 2025, when a masked man entered the establishment located at 300 Burnside Avenue around 8:30 PM. According to the East Hartford Police Department, the suspect attempted to purchase a two-piece chicken meal but encountered problems when his credit card was declined on two separate occasions.

After the failed transaction, the individual reportedly exchanged words with the cashier before exiting the restaurant. However, he soon returned and brandished a firearm, demanding that the employee empty the cash register. In a surprising turn of events, the cashier did not comply with the demand. Instead, he managed to wrest the firearm away from the would-be robber, who subsequently fled the scene on foot.

The robbery alarm was activated during the confrontation, prompting police to respond quickly to the scene. Despite the swift arrival of law enforcement, the suspect had already vanished by the time officers arrived. A K-9 unit was deployed to follow a scent trail, leading them to a residence on Tolland Street; however, law enforcement reported that no one was found at that location.

Fortunately, the employee involved in the incident sustained no injuries. East Hartford Police continue to investigate the matter, as they seek to identify and apprehend the suspect. The events of the evening serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of violent encounters, even in everyday settings such as fast-food restaurants. With the increasing concern about safety in public spaces, incidents like this elicit a range of responses from the community and law enforcement alike.

As investigations are ongoing, local authorities urge anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward to assist in the case. Meanwhile, the employee’s actions have drawn admiration for his courage in the face of threats, highlighting the vital role individuals play in preventing crime.

As the situation develops, updates from the investigation will be forthcoming, as police work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.