Nationwide — D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, an African American employee at a Taco Bell in West Palm Beach, Florida, was arrested after a dispute over a water cup escalated into a shooting inside the restaurant. Police say he fired multiple shots and injured two women.
Police responded around noon on April 27 to the Taco Bell on Military Trail and 45th Street after reports of gunfire. Officers arrived to find the building taped off as investigators secured the scene and gathered evidence.
According to CBS 12, investigators said three women entered the restaurant and asked for a free water cup. One of them allegedly used it to fill soda at a fountain, which triggered a verbal confrontation with Patterson, a 20-year-old employee.
Witness cellphone video captured the argument inside the dining area. Police said the video shows Patterson shouting, followed by the sound of a firearm being racked. A shot was then fired inside the restaurant.
One woman was shot and fell to the ground, while another was grazed. A third woman ran outside. Police said Patterson followed her and fired again, missing her but breaking a window near the entrance.
Customers inside the restaurant ran for safety as confusion spread. Some later told police they only realized what was happening after hearing additional shots and seeing damage near the entrance.
The three women drove themselves to JFK North Medical Center. Two were treated for minor injuries and released, while the third was not injured, according to police.
After the shooting, Patterson called 911 and told dispatchers a customer had jumped behind the counter. He admitted firing the weapon and said he stored it in a management office before officers arrived, according to the arrest report.
Patterson also claimed he believed the women were armed. However, investigators said no weapons were found, and surveillance footage did not support a self-defense claim. Police said the women appeared to be leaving when the second shot was fired.
Patterson was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. The restaurant was temporarily shut down as police processed the scene, and the case remains under review by prosecutors.