Man points AR-15 at employees at two separate Waffle Houses in Gwinnett County

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — An armed man inside of two Gwinnett County Waffle Houses led to tense moments for workers and police.

On Buford Drive police said Rushabh Shah, 32, walked into the Waffle House around 2:30 in the morning and pointed an AR-15 at workers.

Police said he pointed the gun at one employee and asked if he “had to shoot her.” He then went inside and told a cook to make something for him and to “not act strange.”

Another Waffle House employee near the Mall of Georgia told police he walked up to the location with a rifle just minutes earlier.

His presence forced people to take cover and made one witness hide in a bathroom.

When police showed up, they found the Shah holding the gun. Body camera footage showed a Gwinnett County Police officer draw his gun and wait for the man to leave the restaurant.

Outside, they demanded that he drop the gun.

“Sir drop the gun,” the officer says. “Move away from the gun! Get down on the ground!”

Officers arrested Shah at the restaurant.

He told police he needed the AR-15 and his handgun as protection from potential gang members.

Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle with Gwinnett Police said he’s just glad no one was hurt.

“Everybody was relieved no one was injured,” Winderweedle said. “You want to make sure it’s not in the middle of a violent situation, no one is being held hostage.”

Shah fades four felony charges including aggravated assault and remains in jail without bond.