Customer confronts suspects with gun at Columbia Waffle House, shots fired

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County deputies say two suspects have been arrested in an early morning attempted armed robbery of a Columbia Waffle House.

Officers charged 19-year-old Jamal Ford and 22-year-old Kenji Yates with attempted armed robbery.

Investigators say it happened around midnight on Tuesday, August 11 at the Waffle House located on 2345 Broad River Road.

According to officials, the suspects walked into the business, pointed guns at the cook, and demanded money.

Deputies say one customers in the restaurant who is also a licensed gun owner confronted the suspects. Gunfire was exchanged in the restaurant and the suspects ran away without any money.

No injuries were reported.

Officers say deputies and K-9 units were able to track down the suspects after a perimenter and track had been set up.

Yates and Ford were taken to the Richland County Detention Center.