MEMPHIS, Tenn — Four people accused of beating an employee at the Cheddar's in Cordova over service in July 2023 have been arraigned on charges.
Darius Brantley, Kaitlin Brantley, Carol Brantley, and Brittany Brantley were each indicted on a charge of aggravated assault - acting in concert. All four are out of jail on bond.
Memphis Police Department officers were called to the restaurant on N. Germantown Pkwy. about 8:15 p.m. Sunday night, July 23, 2023. They said a group had come in for dinner, and two of the unknown suspects got upset over service.
According to the MPD police report, a witness told investigators that “for some reason” the two suspects turned their attention to the victim, one of the restaurant’s young employees. The witness told police the two suspects began beating the victim, punching him several times.
According to the police affidavit, the victim told investigators the family got upset because it was taking a long time to get them seated at a table. He told investigators that he exchanged words with Darius Brantley, who then punched him in the face and head, according to the affidavit. The victim told investigators the other Brantley family members began assaulting him as well. The victim said he was knocked to the ground and his head hit a brick wall, knocking him unconscious.
The employee, who police said suffered injuries to his face, was taken to Baptist East Pediatric Hospital in non-critical condition. The affidavit said he suffered a concussion, bruised lungs, a black eye, and cuts to his face.
The report said the group took off from the restaurant in a white large SUV. MPD said the business has video and pictures from the incident, but those have not been released.
In a statement sent to ABC24 on Wednesday, Cheddar's responded, “We are shocked and saddened by this senseless act of violence against our team member. Violence has no place in our restaurant and we are cooperating fully with the police investigation. Any further questions should be directed to the Memphis Police Department.”