by Jeroslyn JoVonn
April 29, 2026
A Taco Bell employee in West Palm Seaside is in police custody for taking pictures at a gaggle of ladies following an argument over a fountain drink.
A Taco Bell employee in West Palm Seaside, Florida, is in police custody after allegedly firing a gun and assaulting a gaggle of ladies over an argument associated to fountain soda.
Police say a dispute over utilizing a water cup for soda shortly escalated when D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, 20, allegedly fired a gun inside and outdoors the restaurant, KATV reported. Investigators stated three girls had requested for a water cup, however one stuffed it with soda, sparking a verbal confrontation with Patterson that turned violent.
Video circulating on-line seems to point out Patterson arguing with the ladies earlier than pulling out what seems to be like a gun, racking it, and firing a shot.
Investigators say one girl was shot and collapsed to the ground, whereas one other suffered a graze wound, and a 3rd fled the restaurant. Police allege Patterson chased her exterior and fired once more, lacking her however shattering a window close to the doorway.
The three girls drove themselves to JFK North Medical Middle, the place two have been handled for minor accidents and launched, whereas the third was unhurt, police stated. After the taking pictures, Patterson referred to as 911, claiming a buyer had jumped behind the counter. He admitted to firing the gun and advised officers he positioned it within the administration workplace earlier than they arrived, an arrest affidavit states.
Panicked diners rushed for the exits whereas others ducked below tables — some not sure if they’d even heard gunfire, the outlet reported. Within the aftermath, some patrons appeared to brush off the incident, treating the chaos as an unsettling reflection of a altering norm.
“I imply, it doesn’t shock me the world we dwell in as we speak,” one buyer stated.
“It’s not an issue — issues occur, and we simply take it as it’s and go from there,” one other added.
Investigators stated Patterson claimed he believed the ladies have been armed, however no weapons have been discovered. After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, police stated Patterson’s self-defense declare was not supported, noting the lady seemed to be leaving when extra pictures have been fired.
Patterson was arrested on April 27 and charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Jail data present he stays in custody awaiting courtroom proceedings.
The restaurant was quickly closed as police secured the scene, inflicting site visitors delays alongside Army Path. The case is below overview by the State Lawyer’s Workplace.
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