Woman charged after shooting at Hickory Waffle House

HICKORY, NC – A woman is accused of shooting another woman during a fight outside a Waffle House in Hickory.

Police were called to the restaurant on Highway 321 NW around 3am on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Officers found 35-year-old Jessica Benge suffering from a gunshot wound.

Paramedics took Benge to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Investigators learned that Benge had been in a fight with 29-year-old Megan Shook some other people.

Police say Shook took off after shooting Benge.

Alexander County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Shook a short time later.

She is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.