Suspect in shooting at Edgewood Towne Centre Wendy's claims innocence

EDGEWOOD, Pa. — A man charged in the January shooting at the Wendy's restaurant in Edgewood Towne Centre appeared in court Thursday, but not before claiming he didn't do it.

“I’m innocent,” Ronald Burton told a Channel 11 News camera as he was escorted into the courthouse.

Burton is accused of shooting another man in the chest after the two got into a confrontation in the restaurant on Jan. 22. Burton was working at the time.

Security video shows Burton turning around before both men reach down by their waistbands, according to police. Seconds later, they say, Burton fired his gun.

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Burton was arrested two days later in McKeesport.

During Thursday’s preliminary hearing, Burton’s bond was lowered.

“If he were not acting in self-defense, then we would be fighting over attempted homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person … there would be a whole host of other charges,” Blaine Jones, Burton’s attorney, said.

If Burton posts bail, Jones said he has heard from family members that the restaurant wants him to continue working.

Channel 11 contacted the franchise owner of that location, Tim Thompson, who said:

"Burton has been terminated. The owner has not told the family he would like Burton back as an employee, nor has he had any contact with the family. "

Cox Media Group