A late-night incident at a McDonald’s in Florida escalated into violence, leading Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to label the situation a “McMess.” The altercation occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the fast-food restaurant faced overwhelming online orders.
Details of the Incident
According to Sheriff Judd, the 21-year-old employee, Yoan Soto, informed customers Nicholas Jones, 18, and Peter Story, 20, that they could not place an order due to the busy night. “We’re way behind,” Soto reportedly said to them as they approached the drive-thru.
After hearing this, the two customers allegedly threatened Soto, claiming they would wait to confront him after his shift. Sheriff Judd shared insights during a social media briefing, stating the threats included promises of violence against Soto.
- Time of Incident: Early Sunday morning
- Location: McDonald’s in Polk County, Florida
- Employee Involved: Yoan Soto, 21
- Customers Involved: Nicholas Jones, 18, and Peter Story, 20
Escalation of Threats
As tensions rose, Jones and Story entered the restaurant and continued to menace Soto. Surveillance footage revealed that they were involved in aggressive exchanges about their order. Sheriff Judd noted that the threats escalated to mention of firearms, with one of the men alluding to having a “switch” and a “30-clip.”
Soto, feeling threatened, confessed he also had a gun, which led to a further escalation when he retrieved it in the restaurant. The McDonald’s manager attempted to de-escalate the situation and instructed Jones and Story to leave due to their aggressive behavior.
Gunfire and Aftermath
The confrontation culminated when Soto fired his weapon after an attempt by the two men to grab it, resulting in Story sustaining a minor neck injury. Sheriff Judd expressed relief that the injury was not severe.
- Injuries: Minor neck wound to Peter Story
- Charges Filed:
- Yoan Soto: Charged with felony tampering with evidence
- Nicholas Jones and Peter Story: Charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct
Law Enforcement Response
After the shooting, Jones transported Story to a hospital and alerted the police. Soto briefly left the scene but returned to cooperate with law enforcement.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the seriousness of the threats made during the incident, reiterating that it’s unacceptable to endanger others with such behavior. He concluded that while the incident was unfortunate, officials would thoroughly investigate the matter.
This incident serves as a reminder that violence is never a solution, even in stressful situations at fast food establishments. The authorities are determined to address the situation and ensure public safety moving forward.
