A Tennessee father has been charged with aggravated assault and other offenses after allegedly attempting to run over the mother of his child in a McDonald's drive-thru while she held their 1-year-old, authorities said.
Background
The incident unfolded at a McDonald's location on Winchester Road in Memphis' Hickory Hill neighborhood. According to an affidavit obtained by WHBQ-TV, Shai Wise, 22, and the victim had been together inside a vehicle waiting in the drive-thru line when an altercation occurred. The woman told police that Wise initially tried to attack her while they were both still inside the car.
The situation escalated when she exited the vehicle with their toddler in tow, witnesses told investigators. That's when authorities say Wise allegedly weaponized his car, attempting to strike her not once but twice as she stood outside holding their young child.
"He tried to hit her twice," one witness described to law enforcement officials, according to the charging document. Witnesses also reported seeing Wise driving erratically through the parking lot after the alleged attack attempts.
The Investigation
Memphis Police Department officers responded to a call about a domestic incident at the fast-food restaurant earlier this week. Following the altercation in the drive-thru, authorities allege Wise led them on a high-speed chase through surrounding neighborhoods.
During the pursuit, investigators say Wise was weaving through traffic and speeding before officers finally stopped and arrested him after he turned east off Ridgeway Road. Police discovered upon pulling him over that an 11-year-old child had also been inside the vehicle during the chase—bringing the total number of children allegedly placed at risk to two.
Wise now faces two counts of aggravated assault, one count of domestic assault, and one count of reckless driving, according to the Memphis Police Department. He was arrested on Wednesday and initially held in Shelby County Jail before posting his $10,000 bond that same day. Court records confirm he was released from custody Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Shai Wise, 22, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, domestic assault, and reckless driving
- The incident occurred at a McDonald's on Winchester Road in Memphis' Hickory Hill neighborhood
- Witnesses told police the defendant allegedly tried to strike the victim twice while she held their 1-year-old child outside the vehicle
- Authorities allege Wise led police on a high-speed chase through nearby neighborhoods after the incident
- An 11-year-old was also inside the vehicle during the pursuit, according to law enforcement
- Wise posted $10,000 bond and was released from jail Thursday; his next court appearance is scheduled for August 17
What's Next
Wise is slated to appear in court on August 17 to face the charges against him. The case remains under investigation by the Memphis Police Department. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges related to the children present during the incident are forthcoming.