Employee Critically Shot Outside Louisiana Outback Steakhouse After Workplace Dispute, Investigation Underway

MARRERO, La. (BuzzReport)— Authorities in Jefferson Parish are investigating a workplace dispute that escalated into gunfire Wednesday night outside an Outback Steakhouse, leaving one employee hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), deputies responded to the restaurant in the 1600 block of Barataria Boulevard at approximately 9 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.

Investigators say the incident began inside the restaurant, where a 39-year-old employee became involved in an altercation with another worker. The dispute reportedly continued outside into the restaurant’s parking lot, where the confrontation turned violent.

Authorities allege that a second employee pulled out a firearm and shot the 39-year-old man once in the chest.

Emergency responders transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. Officials said Thursday morning that his condition has improved, and he is now listed as stable.

Despite the seriousness of the shooting, the suspected gunman has not been arrested as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine exactly what led to the violence and whether criminal charges will be filed.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has not released the identities of those involved, and investigators have not indicated whether surveillance video or additional witnesses may play a role in the case.

The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.