The morning rush at Sonic Drive-in on Dorchester Road came to a devastating halt Thursday when gunshots shattered what should have been another routine breakfast shift. Kymani Baker, an 18-year-old from Ladson, was working when he was fatally shot around 8:30 a.m., according to Dorchester County Coroner Paul Brouthers.

Baker was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:35 a.m., bringing tragedy to a stretch of road that serves as a vital corridor for Charleston-area commuters heading to work and school.

The Sonic location, situated along the busy Dorchester Road corridor that connects North Charleston to Summerville, typically buzzes with activity during the breakfast hours. Workers prep tater tots and mix milkshakes while cars pull into the iconic drive-in slots, a familiar rhythm that was violently interrupted Thursday morning.

“This is a young person who was simply trying to make a living, working an honest job,” said a spokesperson for the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation. “Our hearts go out to his family and the entire Sonic team who witnessed this senseless act.”

The shooting has sent ripples through the local food service community, where young workers like Baker form the backbone of Charleston’s restaurant industry. From fast-casual spots that have recently closed to high-end establishments, the area’s dining scene relies heavily on dedicated young staff members who often balance work with school and other responsibilities.

Baker’s death marks another tragedy in what has been a challenging period for food service workers nationwide, who have faced increased safety concerns while serving the public. The incident occurred during peak breakfast hours, when the restaurant would typically be bustling with customers grabbing coffee and breakfast burritos before starting their day.

Sonic Drive-in, known for its retro car-hop service and extensive menu of burgers, hot dogs, and frozen treats, has been a fixture in American fast food since the 1950s. The Dorchester Road location serves a diverse community of residents from North Charleston, Ladson, and surrounding areas, many of whom are now grappling with the shock of violence striking such a familiar gathering place.

The broader Charleston Food & Dining community has been marked by significant changes in recent months, with longtime establishments closing and new concepts opening. But the loss of a young worker like Baker transcends industry trends and business news, cutting straight to the human cost of violence in everyday spaces.

Details about the shooting remain under investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office has not released information about potential suspects or motives, and it remains unclear whether Baker was specifically targeted or if the shooting arose from a robbery attempt or other crime.

For Baker’s family and friends, the teenager’s death represents the loss of a young life just beginning. At 18, he was part of a generation of workers who have kept Charleston’s food service industry running, often taking on shifts that fit around school schedules or other commitments.

The Sonic corporation has not yet issued a public statement about the incident or announced plans for supporting affected employees. The restaurant remained closed Thursday as investigators processed the scene and employees dealt with the trauma of losing a coworker to violence.

Dorchester Road, which stretches from North Charleston through Summerville, has seen its share of development and change as the greater Charleston area continues to grow. The corridor hosts everything from national chain restaurants to local businesses, serving residents of established neighborhoods and new developments alike.

For many in the community, the shooting at Sonic represents a sobering reminder that violence can erupt in the most ordinary places. The drive-in restaurant, with its skating car-hops and cherry limeades, typically evokes nostalgia and simple pleasures rather than fear and tragedy.

As the investigation continues, Baker’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by food service workers who serve their communities daily. These employees—often young people working to save money for college, support their families, or gain work experience—deserve safety and security in their workplaces.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the shooting and asks anyone with information to come forward. The loss of Kymani Baker has left a family grieving and a community questioning how such violence could strike during an ordinary Thursday morning breakfast rush.

Funeral arrangements for Baker have not yet been announced, but his death will undoubtedly be felt throughout the close-knit Ladson community and among his coworkers who showed up to work alongside him that tragic morning.