Florida McDonald's Employee Arrested for Shooting at Drive-Through Customers After Dispute

By Madz Dizon

Jun 18, 2024 03:28 AM EDT

Florida McDonald's Employee Arrested for Shooting at Drive-Through Customers After Dispute — McDonalds sign hangs outside the fast food restaurant on July 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida.
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

An employee at a McDonald's in Florida was taken into custody after a dispute at the drive-through resulted in her firing a gun at a customer.

A 22-year-old woman named Chassidy Gardner from Lakeland was arrested and is now in custody at the Polk County jail. She is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Fox News reported.

McDonald's Employee Shoots Drive-Thru Customers

A shooting took place shortly after 1 a.m. at the McDonald's branch on East Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland, located east of Tampa.

Gardner and a drive-through customer argued about their purchase, leading to the shooting. Police say Gardner tossed a drink at leaving patrons during the incident. The customer put his arm through the glass and dropped things.

"Two of the customers got out of their vehicle and opened the drive through window to throw drinks at Gardner who then armed herself with a handgun," the police added.

Authorities claimed Gardner came outside with her gun to dispute after the customers drove around the premises. She allegedly fired as the car left the parking lot. Gardner then fought with drive-through customers.

McDonald's Drive-Thru Fight

On surveillance video, a customer sticks their arm through the glass and knocks stuff to the floor before throwing mugs. Gardner threw a drink at them as they left.

After getting out of their cars, two people threw their ice-filled beverages at Gardner. However, Gardner took a pistol to work and was spotted pacing the kitchen with it.

At least two other staff members were working in the kitchen, but Gardner was not discouraged or told to put the rifle away. Gardner remains on surveillance as she leaves the fast food establishment with the gun.

Gardner leaves the place with the handgun, according to surveillance footage. According to police, Gardner then fired at the automobile as it drove away, striking it. She was detained but freed the next day after posting a $15,000 bond, Daily Mail reported.