2 Arrested After Mother's Day Brunch Melee at Big Ed's Turns Deadly When Shots Are Fired

The Raleigh Police reported on Monday that two individuals have been taken into custody after an altercation involving gunfire occurred during brunch hour on Mother's Day at a dining establishment with patrons present inside.

A brawl erupted at Big Ed's establishment, resulting in three individuals being wounded after gunshots were discharged within the restaurant on Falls of Neuse Road around midday, as reported by the Raleigh Police Department.

The police from Raleigh stated that two out of the three individuals were transported to a hospital due to non-severe injuries. The third person also suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized after being slightly touched by a projectile.

Alexander Barnes, aged 23, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with the intention to kill and cause severe harm, three counts of assaulting a woman, as well as firing a gun within city boundaries.

Jermaine Mitchell, aged 53, has been charged with assault using a deadly weapon resulting in severe harm.

Alexander Barnes, on the left, and Jermaine Mitchell

Raleigh Police Department

An eyewitness, who was eating at the restaurant at the time, said the chaos began when two families began arguing and punches began to fly, before he said a man pulled out a gun and fired several rounds at the floor. That eyewitness did not want to appear on camera but shared video of the ordeal, where people could be seen rushing out of the business as the brawl escalates inside.

Just a few doors down at The Butcher's Market, cashier Cody Boone was checking out a customer when he noticed the chaos unfolding.

Download the ABC11 App and get Breaking News and Weather Alerts

"I stopped what I was doing, I looked out the door to see mass hysteria, just everybody coming straight down, away from the Big Ed's and just going to find their cars or just away from the building itself," he said.

WATCH Original Story

ABC11 Eyewitness News also obtained security footage from another business in the shopping plaza that shows people sprinting by the storefront at the time those shots rang out. Store Manager Olive Little said she didn't notice the chaos as it took place, but was working the store all morning, and was disappointed to hear what took place.

"Many of the previous visitors here were likely families with mothers celebrating Mother's Day. It felt really unfortunate, you know? That part was quite disheartening," she stated.

Big Ed has issued a statement. on social media Sunday night, thanking first responders for their quick response, and their customers for their patience and support. They said the Falls of Neuse location will remain closed through Tuesday to allow staff extra time to be with loved ones after the incident.

The incident remains under investigation.

Tracking crime and safety across Raleigh, Durham and your neighborhood