According to police, the break-in and theft happened around 5:00 a.m. at the Popeyes on Gate City Blvd on Thursday, May 21.
Officers didn't say how the person gained entry into the restaurant, but did say that after the break-in, the suspect cooked shrimp, fries and biscuits.
Yes shrimp. According to police, the person broke into a fast-food chain that's famously known for its chicken and went straight for the shrimp.
This is definitely--a things that make go...hummm moment.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, police said.
Chaos in the comments
After posting about the crime on its Facebook and X accounts, the police department and the alleged crook were both roasted and praised.
The full post reads: "To the individual who decided to break into Popeyes on Gate City around 5 a.m. Thursday morning, and proceeded to cook shrimp, biscuits, and then steal a few things. Popeyes and GPD would like you to rate your food experience by contacting us and/or @GGCrimeStoppers"
Many commenters appeared to show empathy for the alleged person due to the cost of groceries.
One person wrote on X: "Food is not affordable you gotta do what ya gotta do. Thanks for the good idea!"
Another wrote on X ; "Not trying to be funny ... but the way this economy is going and the cost of food rising every day... I wouldn't be surprised if this happens a lot more in the future...people need and will feed themselves by any means necessary."
One commenter asked on X: "How did they break in, preheat the oven, heat the fryer oil up to temp, bake the biscuits and fry the shrimp before cops showed up from the motion alarm?"
Some took it at face value for a good laugh. "Thank you, @GSO_Police I needed a belly-busting laugh! (4 laugh emojis)"
A Facebook commenter said this: "Imagine getting booked and hearing the officer read the evidence list: "One crowbar, three biscuits, a side of shrimp, and the audacity." The comment received more than 600 interactions.
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Until the person is caught and tells, the question remains as to why break into a fast-food chain that's famously known for its chicken and go straight for the shrimp?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.