This man shot a waitress dead after she told him not to smoke in a restaurant

Mount has been charged with first-degree murder Pic: Harrison County Jail

Johnny Max Mount pulled out a handgun and shot a waitress in the head after she told him to stub out his cigarette, officers say.

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Police say a man shot dead a Waffle House waitress after she told him not to smoke in the restaurant.

Johnny Max Mount allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the 52-year-old woman in the head after she told him smoking was banned in the eatery in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Biloxi Police Sergeant Donnie Dobbs said officers arrived at the restaurant at 1am on Friday, and the employee died on the way to hospital.

Mount, 45, from Biloxi, was standing outside the restaurant when police arrived and surrendered without incident, he said.

He was charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $2m bond at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.

Kelly Thrasher-Bruner, a spokeswoman for Waffle House, paid tribute to the unnamed employee.

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"This senseless tragedy is a shock for the Waffle House family," she said.

"Our associate was a friend to many as well as a valued member of the Waffle House team for eight years as a salesperson.

"She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with her family, friends, co-workers and customers."

Sky