Cops: Pastor Tried To Deep-Fry McDonald's Cook

DECEMBER 29--Latoya Gladney, a 44-year-old manager in training at a McDonald’s in North Carolina, told police that her employees were “disrespecting” her last night, so she called her husband “to assist her.”

Investigators allege that when Dwayne Waden, a 57-year-old church pastor, subsequently arrived at the restaurant in High Point, he chose not to turn the other cheek.

Cops say Waden walked into the kitchen and began punching Theodore Garlington, a McDonald’s cook, in the face. Waden also allegedly wrapped his hands around Garlington’s neck and began “pushing his head toward the deep fryer,” according to a police report.

Before Garlington, 34, could be dipped in hot oil, several employees interceded, pulling Waden (seen at right) off the victim.

Garlington suffered “a large contusion to the forehead and right eye, along with scratches on his neck.” While EMS workers responded to the scene, Garlington chose to have relatives transport him to the hospital.

After High Point Police Department officers interviewed witnesses and reviewed store security footage, Waden was arrested for assault. Bond was set at $1000 and a January 22 misdemeanor trial was scheduled for Waden.

According to his Facebook page, Waden works as a “Semi Truck Driver” and is pastor of Elevated Life International Ministries, which recently celebrated its second anniversary. Waden’s church (slogan: “Where Hope Starts, And Life Begins”) has operated from a storefront space next door to Bueno Burrito in Thomasville.

It is unclear what effect last night’s melee will have on Gladney’s managerial aspirations at McDonald’s (pictured below). (2 pages)