Taco Bell Worker Shoots at 3 Customers After One Tried to Fill Water Cup with Soda, Police Say

A 20-year-old Taco Bell employee has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm after an allegedly violent incident involving three customers in West Palm Beach, Florida. D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson was taken into custody on April 27 following the altercation, which reportedly escalated over a dispute concerning the use of a drink cup.

According to court documents reviewed by various news outlets, the confrontation began when two customers entered the fast-food outlet to request water cups from Patterson. After one of the customers filled her cup with soda instead of water, a verbal disagreement erupted between her and Patterson. Witnesses indicated that Patterson became increasingly aggressive as the argument developed, calling out, “Do something! Do something!” just before the situation turned violent.

The altercation worsened when a third customer entered the restaurant, prompting another employee to separate Patterson from the customers to defuse the tension. However, the atmosphere was tense, and it was reported that the sound of a firearm being racked could be heard, as detailed in the probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

During this chaotic scene, Patterson allegedly struck one customer, prompting one of the victims to fall to the floor. Following this, he reportedly pursued the customers as they attempted to exit the building. The affidavit noted that one customer found herself trapped between the door and a wall, leaving her vulnerable as Patterson fired a shot in her direction. This round narrowly missed her, shattering a nearby window instead.

In the aftermath, the three customers managed to escape the restaurant and drove themselves to JFK North Medical Centre for treatment of their injuries, which, fortunately, were described as minor. Meanwhile, Patterson contacted law enforcement, asserting that he feared for his safety, believing that the customers might be armed and had rushed at him and his coworker.

In his initial statement to police, Patterson admitted to firing his weapon but claimed that he had only shot into the air. However, investigators noted that evidence collected from the scene contradicted his claims. The affidavit suggested that Patterson was not acting in self-defence, but rather that he was an active participant in the escalation of the confrontation.

The authorities concluded that Patterson brandished and discharged his firearm in a manner that created a “well-founded fear” of imminent violence among the victims. Following his arrest, Patterson invoked his right to counsel and ceased making further statements as advised by his attorney.

Patterson made his first court appearance on April 28, where he was formally charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. He currently remains in custody, with his next court date scheduled for May 27. The Florida State Attorney’s Office is actively conducting an investigation into the incident as it unfolds.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from seemingly minor disputes in public settings. Taco Bell, as well as other fast-food chains, often find themselves at the centre of altercations that can lead to severe consequences, underscoring the importance of maintaining decorum in service environments.

As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold for Patterson and what further information might be brought to light concerning the events that transpired that night.