Additional Coverage:
- Moment McDonald’s worker opens fire on drive-thru customer who complained about incorrect order (newsbreak.com)
Dramatic video footage reveals the moment a McDonald’s employee in Florida resorted to gunfire after a customer voiced complaints over a wrong order. On June 14, 22-year-old Chassidy Gardner from Lakeland was apprehended following a call to police about a shooting at the McDonald’s where she worked, located on East Memorial Boulevard in the city.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, which shared details on Facebook, the dispute began when customers claimed they received an incorrect order. Surveillance video caught Gardner tossing a drink at the departing customers’ car after they argued over the order.
The situation escalated when two of the customers stepped out of their car, approached the drive-thru window, and hurled drinks back at Gardner. Gardner is seen in the video retrieving a gun and firing at the customers’ vehicle as she steps outside the drive-thru area.
Authorities confirmed the vehicle was hit once. Gardner was taken to the Polk County Jail, where she faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident has been termed “disturbing” by Orlando Rolon, the retired Chief of the Orlando Police Department. Speaking to Fox35, Rolon expressed concern over the growing reports of such violent incidents, highlighting the irreversible harm a fired bullet can cause. He strongly condemned Gardner’s actions, stating that resorting to gun use was completely unwarranted and could dramatically alter Gardner’s life.
It remains unclear whether Gardner had legal authorization to carry a firearm within the McDonald’s premises, as the employee handbook on the McDonald’s website does not specify policies regarding weapons in the restaurants. Nonetheless, local regulations may permit carrying firearms at work without needing employer consent.
Following the incident, Lakeland McDonald’s franchise owner Lanny Sumpter expressed deep concern over the employee’s actions, confirming that Gardner has been terminated for violating several company policies. Sumpter emphasized the importance of customer and staff safety and assured ongoing cooperation with the authorities in their investigation.