Florida Man Accused Of Taco Bell Shooting Over Soda

A dispute over a drink order at a Florida Taco Bell escalated into gunfire after an employee allegedly opened fire on customers during an argument.

According to authorities, the incident happened around lunchtime on Monday, April 27, at a Taco Bell on 45th Street in West Palm Beach.

Investigators say customers asked employee D’Mari Patterson, 20, for a cup of water. After receiving the cup, the customers reportedly filled it with soda instead.

Police say Patterson later confronted the group about the drink choice, sparking an argument inside the restaurant.

Another employee reportedly stepped in to separate Patterson from the customers as tensions escalated.

According to the arrest report, one customer began recording the confrontation on a cellphone. Investigators say the video captured Patterson yelling moments before the sound of a firearm being racked and a gunshot being fired.

WARNING – VIDEO MAY CONTAIN NSFW LANGUAGE.

Police say one of the customers ran outside, but Patterson allegedly followed and fired another round in their direction. The shot missed the victim but struck a restaurant window.

The victims later went to a hospital and were treated for minor injuries.

Authorities say Patterson called 911 after the incident and claimed a customer had jumped behind the counter, prompting him to pull out a weapon and fire.

Patterson also reportedly told officers he believed the customers had a gun and said they could “get jiggy.” However, investigators say surveillance video did not support his claim of self-defense.

Patterson was arrested and charged with: