In Belleville, Illinois, a disagreement over garbage at a local McDonald’s led to serious charges for a manager and an employee’s mother, police report.
Kathy Bledsoe, 44, and Tynika McKinzie, 35, both from Belleville, have been charged respectively with aggravated unlawful weapon use and aggravated battery with mob action, by the Belleville Police Department.
The incident took place at the McDonald’s when authorities responded to a shooting call at approximately 4:45 p.m. on July 16. Bledsoe, who was managing the shift, had reportedly instructed a teenage worker to dispose of the trash.
The teen employee refused, so police said Bledsoe told her to clock out for the day.
“It is unfortunate that this incident occurred,” the Belleville Police Department said on Facebook. “It seems individuals are quick to resort to violence to resolve disputes without consideration of the impact their actions have on the community as a whole.
“This was an unnecessary incident that could have been mitigated without punches being thrown or a gun being used,” the department continued. “BPD will continue to work with community members to ensure individuals who wish to handle disputes in this manner are held accountable.”
The operator and owner of the McDonald’s restaurant where the shooting happened told Fox News Digital in a statement that they are shocked and saddened by the attack.
“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our people,” the statement said. ” Right now, we’re focused on providing support to our restaurant crew and will continue to assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
