McDonald's cashier accused of pulling gun on customers after slow service complaint, Miami Gardens police say
A McDonald's employee in Miami Gardens is facing charges after allegedly pointing a gun at customers who complained about the service, according to an arrest report.
Anthony Markeith Elliott III, 19, was arrested by Miami Gardens police and charged with five counts of aggravated assault. He is now out of jail after making his first court appearance on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Officers were called around 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 2 to the McDonald's at 4686 NW 183rd St. in Miami Gardens. The victims told police they were threatened with a gun after arguing with a cashier, later identified as Elliott.
Argument over online order wait
The customers said they had arrived to pick up an online order and were waiting a long time. They told police Elliott gave them an "attitude" and argued with them. Both sides exchanged words before Elliott said he would come outside.
According to the arrest report, the victims were parked in the online order spot. When Elliott brought out the food, the argument continued. That's when police say he pulled out a gun and confronted the victims.
Gun allegedly pointed at victims
The victims said Elliott first flashed a gun in his waistband during the argument. At one point, he reportedly approached their car and pointed the weapon at them.
A store manager confirmed the sequence of events to the police.
Customers react to incident
While attempts to speak with Elliott at his home were unsuccessful, regular customers at the McDonald's shared their reactions.
"This is the world that we're living in today, so everybody has a gun," said Allison, a McDonald's regular.
"Just because it's fast food doesn't mean you don't have to wait. That's it. People have to learn to have patience," she added.
Allison said she was stunned by what she heard.
"You come to this McDonald's often?" she was asked. "Yes, not often, but I have to say that often, but on a regular basis, they're good," she said.
McDonald's owner releases a statement
CBS Miami reached out to the owner of the Miami Gardens McDonald's for a comment concerning the incident involving Elliott. The owner, said Elliott is no longer employed with the company and released the following statement:
"The safety of our crew and customers is our top priority, and we have a strict no weapons policy in our restaurants. We're offering our full cooperation to local authorities as they look into this incident."