Kathrine Frich
A quick stop for fast food is usually uneventful
You make a simple order, do a short wait, and then back on the road.
But for customers at one Florida Taco Bell, a routine visit took a shocking and dangerous turn.
Argument escalates
According to PEOPLE, a Taco Bell worker in West Palm Beach has been charged after allegedly firing a gun at three customers.
D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, 20, faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm following the incident on April 27.
Police say the confrontation began when a customer used a water cup to fill soda at the drinks station, sparking a verbal dispute.
Situation worsens
As the argument continued, tensions escalated between the employee and the customers.
Witness footage cited in court documents reportedly captured Patterson shouting: “Do something! Do something! Do something.”
Another staff member briefly intervened, attempting to separate those involved.
Moments later, the situation turned violent.
According to the affidavit, the sound of a firearm being prepared could be heard before a shot was fired inside the restaurant.
Authorities allege Patterson struck one customer and discharged the weapon, while another victim fell during the altercation.
Outside confrontation
The incident continued outside the restaurant as customers tried to leave.
One person was reportedly trapped near the exit when a shot was fired in her direction, narrowly missing her and hitting a window.
The three individuals were able to leave the scene and drive themselves to a nearby hospital, where two were treated for minor injuries.
Patterson later contacted police, claiming he acted in self-defense.
He told officers the customers had “rushed [him] and [his] coworker” and said he “pulled [his] gun and fired shots in the air.”
However, investigators said there was no evidence supporting that account, stating he was an “active participant in the verbal argument with the victims.”
Sources: PEOPLE
