A Florida Taco Bell worker accused of shooting at three customers over a soda dispute now faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, 20, was arrested on Monday, April 27, after the incident at a Taco Bell in West Palm Beach. What triggered it all was something remarkably small a water cup filled with soda at the drink fountain.
Two customers walked in and asked Patterson for a cup of water. One of them took the cup to the soda fountain and filled it with soda instead. That single act set off a verbal fight between Patterson and the two customers. It would not stay verbal for long.
How the Taco Bell worker accused of shooting escalated things fast
As the argument grew louder, a third customer walked through the door. Patterson began yelling the same challenge over and over at the two original customers, according to cellphone footage a witness captured at the scene. Another Taco Bell employee stepped in and pulled Patterson away.
That employee urged the customers to leave. But as they moved toward the exit, the sound of a firearm being prepared to fire rang out. Patterson then swung his arm and struck one of the victims. A single shot fired. A second victim fell to the floor after Patterson hit her with the gun itself.
The third customer tried to get out. Patterson followed the first victim outside. He then turned back toward the third customer, who found herself trapped between the restaurant door and the outer wall. She had no way to escape. Patterson moved toward her and fired a shot in her direction. The bullet missed her and tore through the restaurant window instead.
What happened after the shots were fired
Patterson went back inside after the shots. All three customers got into a car and drove themselves to JFK North Medical Center for treatment. Two of them had minor injuries. The third escaped physical harm.
Patterson called authorities after the incident. He told officers he believed the customers carried weapons and that they rushed at him and a coworker. He also said he fired into the air rather than at anyone. After that, his attorney told him to stop talking.
Investigators disagreed with his account. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, no evidence supports his self-defense claim. The affidavit states that Patterson took an active role in the argument from the start. Authorities say he made clear threats through his words and his actions. They also say he fired his weapon in a way that put all three customers in real fear for their lives.
Charges, court appearance and what comes next
Patterson appeared in court on Tuesday, April 28. He remains in custody. His next court date falls on May 27. The Florida State Attorney’s Office continues to handle the investigation.
Three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm carry serious penalties under Florida law. If convicted on all counts, Patterson faces the possibility of significant prison time.
Source: People
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