Colorado man shoots Waffle House cook in face-mask dispute, Aurora Police say

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) -- A man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a Waffle House employee in Aurora one night after being asked to wear a face covering inside the restaurant.

Kelvin Watson, 27, was arrested Monday morning by the Aurora Police Department on a charge of attempted first-degree murder.

Employees at the Waffle House at 12880 E. Mississippi Ave. told police that Watson came to the restaurant shortly after midnight on May 14 and was not wearing a mask, according to an arrest affidavit. A waitress told Watson he needed to have a mask on or he could not be served, the court document says. The restaurant was offering carry-out orders.

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The following night, May 15, just after midnight, police say Watson returned to the restaurant. A cook told Watson he was not going to be served, according to the court document. Watson then allegedly slapped the cook across the face.

The cook told police he began running toward the back of the Waffle House. Watson shot the cook in his chest or abdomen outside the restaurant, according to the court document. The cook told police he ran toward his home while calling 911. The cook was hospitalized and released Friday afternoon.