In Charlotte, North Carolina, a disagreement over change at a Taco Bell drive-thru escalated into a violent incident, with a disgruntled customer allegedly opening fire inside the restaurant, according to local law enforcement.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, around 9:30 p.m., at a Taco Bell located on the east side of the city. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to calls about a shooting at the fast-food establishment. Upon arrival, officers discovered an employee with multiple gunshot injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect, after receiving what he perceived to be incorrect change at the drive-thru, entered the restaurant in a heightened state of agitation. The situation quickly escalated when the individual produced a firearm and began shooting, striking an employee multiple times. The suspect then fled the scene, leaving the injured employee, who was later transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Using surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, the police were able to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that evening, a vehicle matching the description was found at a nearby apartment complex. The vehicle, a distinctive model, was confirmed to be the one used in the shooting, and its registered owner matched the suspect’s description.
After obtaining arrest warrants, detectives made contact with the suspect, who was apprehended without incident. Local ABC affiliate WSOC, citing unnamed sources, identified the suspect as 67-year-old Doll McLendon. McLendon is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond on charges of attempted murder and discharging a weapon in an occupied property.
Taco Bell Corp. expressed shock at the incident, stating that the franchise owner is cooperating with the local authorities in their investigation and offering support to all team members present during the incident. The police have not updated the condition of the injured employee.