LAKELAND, FL – The police department in Lakeland, Florida, reports a dispute over a fast-food order which escalated into a drive-thru worker allegedly launching a drink at customers and consequently firing at their vehicle.
Reports confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Cassidy Gardner, a McDonald’s drive-thru worker, on June 14. She is accused of launching a drink at customers after a disagreement over an incorrect order, then spiraling the incident further by discharging her firearm at the fleeing vehicle.
Sheriff’s office records from Polk County show that Gardner was charged with a count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, albeit with no intent to kill. She was later granted bail, set at $15,000.
According to the Lakeland police, they responded to calls about a shooting incident at the McDonald’s outlet on East Memorial Boulevard in the early morning hours of June 14.
Gardner was stationed at the drive-thru when a dispute erupted over an allegedly incorrect order placed by the customers. Police accounts indicate that Gardner initiated the assault by tossing a drink at customers as they were driving off.
Upon being doused with the drink, two customers returned the gesture by reaching through the drive-thru window and throwing drinks back at Gardner. The drive-thru worker then brandished a handgun.
As the customers attempted to exit the premises by circling the establishment, they alleged that Gardner emerged from the restaurant and discharged her weapon at their vehicle.
Details disclosed by the police indicate that the customer’s vehicle was hit at least once during the armed attack.