A Dunkin' employee has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after fatally striking a 77-year-old man who reportedly called him a racial slur.
The fatal incident reportedly began when the 77-year-old customer traveled to a Dunkin' in Tampa, Florida. The unnamed customer attempted to buy his food through the location's drive-thru area, but was unsatisfied with the service. He then entered the store and encountered an employee by the name of Corey Pujols. During their back and forth, Pujols says that the man called him a "n-----." After the customer hurled the racial slur once, Pujols "challenged the victim to repeat the slur." From there, the customer is accused of repeating the racial slur. In response, the Dunkin' employee is accused of punching the customer in the jaw.
"This knocked the victim out and the victim fell to the floor with his head hitting the floor," a police statement reads.
After his head hit the floor, the customer's head reportedly began bleeding and he was taken to the hospital shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Pujols was arrested and taken into custody before being released later on. However, the customer died later on and Pujols was taken back into custody. He has since been charged with aggravated manslaughter.
“The franchisee, who independently owns and operates this restaurant, is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” Dunkin' told NBC.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, we defer any additional questions to the police.”
Those who frequent the Dunkin' location have said that it was an unfortunate turn of events.
“[Corey] was a good guy, he used to open Dunkin’ every morning. He’d offer us free coffee, we’d help with the trash,” customer told NBC affiliate WFLA in Florida.
Pujols is currently being held in Hillsborough County Jail until his next court date.
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