A late-night drive-thru order turned dangerous at a Florida McDonald’s, where an employee claims he was forced to shoot a customer after an argument over wait times spiraled out of control.
The incident happened just after 3 a.m. on Oct. 12 at a McDonald’s in Davenport, Fla. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, what unfolded was a “McMess” from start to finish.
From Frustrated to Physical
Sheriff Judd says 21-year-old Yoan Soto was working the overnight shift when two customers — Peter Story, 19, and Nicholas Jones, 18 — became angry about how long their food was taking in the drive-thru line, per WFLA.
Soto reportedly apologized and explained that the store was overwhelmed with online orders, even adding that McDonald’s “should think through” how the system works.
But instead of accepting the explanation, the customers allegedly threatened Soto — telling him they’d wait for his shift to end and then physically attack him.
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“They threatened to attack the man who just told them, ‘We’re busy, we can’t take any more orders,’” Judd said in a Friday (Oct. 17) press conference.
Rather than backing down, Soto reportedly responded by telling them his shift ended at 4 a.m.
Surveillance Video Caught Everything
Not long after, Story and Jones entered the restaurant lobby, where surveillance footage shows them continuing to confront Soto.
Video released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office also shows Soto pulling a firearm as the situation escalated.
Judd says the two continued to threaten the employee with what he described as a “switch” and a “30-clip.” A 22-year-old manager attempted to step in and calm things down — but the tension only got worse.
“There’s a rattle afoot right now in McDonald’s,” Judd said. “We can call it a ‘McRattle’ — and that’s not a sandwich.”
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At one point, the sheriff says Story and Jones tried to grab Soto’s gun. During the struggle, Soto fired one shot, hitting Story in the neck.
“It’s a blessing that it was a very minor wound,” Judd added. “But you know what? When you start shooting McGuns, you get people’s McAttention.”
Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
After the shooting, Story and Jones fled the restaurant — as did Soto, who Sheriff Judd said was “McScared.” He reportedly picked up the shell casings before leaving.
Soto was later charged with tampering with evidence, a felony. Story and Jones were each charged with trespassing after warning and disorderly conduct.
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Judd emphasized that Soto may have been within his legal rights under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law — but cautioned others not to flee after a shooting.
“He has a right to stand his ground and protect himself,” Judd said. “These guys created a well-founded fear in him and the store manager. It was just a McMess, but we’ll sort it out — because we are McGood at investigating McCrime.”
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