Taco Bell employee arrested after firing gun at customers over soda dispute

A 20-year-old Taco Bell employee in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly opening fire on three customers following a dispute over a soda fountain.

D'Mari Jy'Quan Patterson faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm after the violent encounter on Monday.

According to court documents, the altercation began when a customer requested a water cup but instead used it to dispense soda, provoking a heated verbal exchange with Patterson.

Witness footage and a probable cause affidavit describe the situation escalating rapidly, with Patterson reportedly shouting, "Do something!" at the patrons.

Despite another employee's attempt to intervene, the sound of a firearm being "racked" was clearly audible.

Authorities allege that Patterson struck one victim with the weapon—a "pistol-whipping" action that sent the individual to the floor—before a single shot was fired inside the restaurant.

The violence continued outside, where Patterson allegedly cornered a third customer against an exterior wall and fired a shot that "narrowly" missed her, shattering a restaurant window.

Following the incident, the three victims drove themselves to a local medical centre for treatment of minor injuries.

While Patterson initially called authorities claiming he acted in self-defence against armed customers, police stated that evidence, including cellphone footage, contradicted his account and showed him as the primary aggressor.

Patterson appeared in court on Tuesday and is currently being held in custody. The Florida State Attorney's Office is continuing its investigation, with a follow-up court date set for 27 May.