Pine Bluff, Arkansas — A workplace dispute inside a Domino’s restaurant turned deadly Sunday evening after a 50-year-old employee allegedly pulled out a handgun and fatally shot a fellow worker in the kitchen, according to Arkansas police.
Authorities say the suspect is now facing a first-degree murder charge following the death of a 25-year-old co-worker, as investigators continue working to determine what led to the fatal confrontation.
Police Responded to Fatal Shooting at Domino’s Restaurant
According to the Pine Bluff Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday to a Domino’s located at 2300 S. Olive Street following reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they discovered 25-year-old Jarvis Bowden lying on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel responded to the restaurant, but Bowden was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later identified 50-year-old Jerry Henderson, a fellow Domino’s employee, as the suspect in the shooting.
Investigators Say Workplace Fight Escalated
According to investigators, witnesses told police the incident began when Bowden became involved in a physical altercation with another employee inside the kitchen.
During that confrontation, authorities allege Henderson produced a firearm and shot Bowden.
Police have not disclosed what sparked the original dispute, nor have they explained what role Henderson allegedly played before the shooting occurred.
Investigators also have not said whether the firearm belonged to Henderson legally or whether it had been brought into the workplace before the incident.
Suspect Charged With First-Degree Murder
Following the shooting, officers arrested Henderson without incident. He was booked into the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
Authorities have charged him with first-degree murder.
Jail records do not yet list a date for his next court appearance. As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and Henderson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Remains Active
Investigators continue interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from inside the restaurant.
Police have not confirmed whether customers were inside the Domino’s when the shooting occurred, and officials have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the gunfire.
Authorities are asking anyone with information that could assist detectives to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department’s Detective Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as the case progresses.
Community Awaits More Answers
The fatal shooting has shocked the Pine Bluff community, where a routine evening at a neighborhood pizza restaurant ended in tragedy.
As investigators work to determine exactly what happened inside the Domino’s kitchen, family members, co-workers, and the local community continue mourning the loss of Jarvis Bowden, whose life was cut short during what police say began as a workplace dispute.
The criminal case against Jerry Henderson will now move through the Arkansas court system as prosecutors seek to prove the allegations filed against him.
What are your thoughts on workplace violence and safety? Do you believe employers should implement stronger measures to prevent conflicts from escalating? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
