Florida Taco Bell worker fires gun at three female customers after one tried to fill water cup with soda
A fast-food restaurant in Florida became the scene of a violent incident after an employee allegedly fired shots at three customers attempting to take soda without paying.
Authorities say 20-year-old D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson was taken into custody Monday following the confrontation, which happened while he was working at a Taco Bell in West Palm Beach. According to police, the three women entered the restaurant together and each requested a cup for water. One of them then used the soda fountain to fill her cup, apparently trying to get a free drink.
Investigators say Patterson noticed what was happening and began yelling. Witnesses recorded the situation as it quickly escalated. In one video reviewed by police, Patterson can be heard arguing with one of the women near the drink station. Moments later, the sound of a firearm being prepared can be heard before shots were fired.
One of the women was struck and fell to the ground. Another was grazed by a bullet, while the third ran from the scene. Police say Patterson pursued the fleeing woman and fired again, hitting a window near the restaurant entrance.
Customers inside reacted in panic, with some rushing for the exits and others taking cover under tables. Some were unsure at first whether the loud noises were actually gunfire. By the following day, the damaged window had been boarded up.
Despite the severity of the incident, some customers expressed a sense of resignation.
One person said it was not surprising given the current state of the world. Another described it as something people simply accept and move on from.
Two of the women who were injured received treatment at a local hospital for minor wounds and are expected to recover fully. The third woman was not hurt. Patterson faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
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