Background: Surveillance video from the McDonald’s where Yoan Soto (far left) allegedly pulled a gun on Nicholas Jones (center) and Peter Story (right) (Polk County Sheriff’s Office). Insets (clockwise from top) Yoan Soto, Peter Story, and Nicholas Jones (Polk County Sheriff’s Office).
Three men from Florida have been charged following a dispute at a McDonald’s in Davenport that escalated into a shooting incident.
Yoan Soto, aged 21, was on duty for an overnight shift at McDonald’s when he encountered two customers, 19-year-old Peter Story and 18-year-old Nicholas Jones, at the drive-thru. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd explained in a Facebook video that several events had concluded in the early hours of October 12, leading to a rush at the fast-food outlet. Due to the high demand, Soto had to inform Story and Jones that the restaurant could no longer accept their orders.
This news did not sit well with Story and Jones, according to the police report.
As detailed in an affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Story and Jones allegedly became argumentative, engaging in a heated exchange with Soto over the drive-thru intercom. Soto’s manager reported that he heard the pair threaten to “beat him up.” Sheriff Judd mentioned that the duo claimed to have weapons, prompting Soto to reveal that he was also armed. The affidavit further noted that Story and Jones threatened to confront Soto in the parking lot after his shift.
After Soto relayed the incident to his manager, Story and Jones entered the restaurant to continue the argument face-to-face. Sheriff Judd humorously referred to the incident in his video, saying, “They’re having a McArgument at McDonald’s over McHamburgers. Or lack of McHamburgers.”
The confrontation intensified, with Soto’s manager reporting that the pair referenced firearms while inside the establishment, allegedly mentioning terms like “30 clip” and “switches.” Sheriff Judd remarked, “They’re threatening to McShoot up the place.”
According to the arrest affidavits for Story and Jones, Soto’s manager then told the two that they had to leave the store. The two men allegedly refused to leave, saying that only law enforcement could force them out.
While Soto’s manager attempted to deescalate the situation, Soto can be seen on surveillance video going to the employee break room, according to the affidavit. Soto then comes back, pointing a gun at Story and Jones to herd them out of the restaurant. During a physical confrontation, Soto’s gun discharged and hit Story in the neck, causing a non-life-threatening injury. The two customers fled the restaurant to take Story to the hospital, Judd said.
Soto then allegedly picked up the spent shell casing from the floor, telling another employee that “it belonged to him.” Judd said in the Facebook video that while Soto “has a right to stand his ground and protect himself,” he allegedly tried to tamper with evidence by collecting the shell casing.
Judd said, “It’s never okay to threaten a mass shooting. It’s never okay to threaten to beat people up at a business. And it’s never okay to grab your ammunition and your firearm and run after a shooting.”
Soto was charged with tampering with evidence and was arrested at his home on Oct. 14. He posted bond and was released. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18.
Story and Jones were each charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. Both were arrested and posted bond. Story is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 31; Jones is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 20.
