A deadly shooting in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, left one man dead and another injured after gunfire erupted inside a Zaxby’s restaurant on North Main Street.
Police responded to the restaurant Wednesday evening after receiving reports of gunfire. Two men were found suffering from gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals.
One of the men later died from his injuries, while the second victim was reported to be stable and expected to recover.
The shooting led to a significant police response as investigators worked to determine what happened inside the restaurant.
Fuquay-Varina Shooting at Zaxby’s
The shooting occurred at the Zaxby’s located at 1341 N. Main St. in Fuquay-Varina, shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to police.
Officers arriving at the scene found two men who had been shot.
Both victims were taken to hospitals for treatment. Police later confirmed that one victim died after arriving at the hospital, while the other remained stable.
Authorities have not publicly identified the man who died while family notification was being handled.
What Happened Inside the Restaurant?
According to the preliminary investigation, the incident began with a confrontation involving a man and a male employee inside the restaurant.
Police said the verbal confrontation escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, a firearm was drawn and several shots were fired.
The precise circumstances surrounding the shooting remain part of the investigation.
A family member of the employee told WRAL that the employee was his son and claimed his son fired after being attacked at work. That account is an allegation from the family and should be distinguished from the police investigation and any eventual court findings.
Fuquay-Varina Shooting Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Deadly shooting |
| Location | Zaxby’s, 1341 N. Main St. |
| City | Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina |
| Time | Shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday |
| People shot | 2 men |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Other victim | Stable and expected to recover |
| Suspect charged | Otis Lee Johnson |
| Age of person charged | 18 |
| Charge | Murder |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
18-Year-Old Charged With Murder
Police announced Thursday that 18-year-old Otis Lee Johnson had been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
The case remains under investigation, and the criminal charge is an allegation rather than a finding of guilt.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the shooting will be addressed through the investigation and court proceedings.
Police have not released the identity of the deceased victim in the latest reports.
Second Shooting Victim Expected to Recover
The second man shot during the incident was transported to a hospital and was described by police as stable.
Authorities said he was expected to recover from his injuries.
No additional victims were reported in connection with the shooting.
The incident nevertheless prompted concern in the Fuquay-Varina community because it occurred inside a local restaurant during the evening.
Investigation Continues
Fuquay-Varina police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from inside the restaurant and determine the sequence of events surrounding the confrontation.
The investigation will also help establish the circumstances surrounding the firearm being discharged and the injuries suffered by both men.
As the case moves forward, additional information could become available through police statements and court proceedings.
Community Reacts to Deadly Shooting
The shooting has drawn concern from people in the Fuquay-Varina community.
Residents and people working near the area described the incident as unsettling, particularly because of the police response and activity around the restaurant.
The shooting has also left the victim’s family and friends dealing with an unexpected loss.
For those who knew the man who died, the incident represents much more than a police investigation. It is the sudden loss of a person whose life was connected to family, friends and other relationships.
Fuquay-Varina Shooting and Public Safety
Police have indicated that the incident was connected to a confrontation inside the restaurant.
Reports also indicate that there was no broader ongoing threat to the public following the incident.
As investigators continue examining what happened, authorities will determine the facts surrounding the confrontation and shooting.
The case also highlights how quickly a dispute can escalate into a deadly incident when a firearm becomes involved.
Fuquay-Varina Zaxby’s Shooting Leaves One Dead
The Fuquay-Varina shooting has now become a homicide investigation following the death of one of the two men who were shot.
An 18-year-old has been charged with murder, while another man remains on the road to recovery.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased victim.
As the investigation and court process continue, additional details may help establish the full sequence of events that led to the deadly shooting at the North Main Street restaurant.
Disclaimer
This article is based on reports from Fuquay-Varina police and local news organizations concerning the September 2026 shooting at a Zaxby’s on North Main Street. The murder charge against Otis Lee Johnson is an allegation, and the available information does not establish guilt. Claims made by family members concerning the circumstances of the shooting are also identified as allegations and should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through the investigation or court proceedings.