Taco Bell employee arrested after fountain drink dispute ends in shooting

A fountain drink argument at a West Palm Beach Taco Bell turned a routine lunch stop into a shooting scene, putting crew members and customers in danger in seconds.

Police said the dispute unfolded around noon Monday, April 27, at the Taco Bell near 45th Street and Military Trail, in the 4300 block. Three customers entered the restaurant, and two asked for water before the situation escalated, according to investigators.

Authorities said 20-year-old employee Dmari Jyquan Patterson saw the customers filling water cups with soda from the fountain machine. WPTV reported that Patterson shouted, "Do something!" during the argument. Witnesses heard a firearm being racked before the first shot, and police said Patterson fired once, striking one person, then fired again as the customers fled toward the exit. The second round narrowly missed another victim and shattered a restaurant window.

All three customers drove themselves to JFK North Medical Center, where they were treated for minor injuries and later gave sworn statements to police. Robert Steiner, who recorded video of the lead-up to the shooting, said the argument got "louder and louder." He said he saw gunpowder before he realized what had happened and ran out screaming. WPBF 25 News reported the bullet passed through a panel above the door, and the restaurant was closed during the police response.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video, cellphone footage with audio and statements from two cooperating witnesses. Patterson later called 911 and told dispatchers that a "customer jumped behind the register" and that he had "pulled his weapon out and shot," according to the arrest report. Police arrested Patterson on three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and held him without bond. He was scheduled for his first court appearance Tuesday morning.

For Taco Bell workers and managers, the case is a blunt reminder that a dispute over something as ordinary as a fountain drink can become a life-threatening workplace incident in seconds. It also raises hard questions about whether staffing levels, de-escalation training and store security are enough when a customer argument turns physical before anyone can regain control of the counter.