A dispute over a delayed Taco Bell order in Maryland escalated when a woman allegedly challenged employees to “meet her outside” and exposed a handgun during the confrontation, deputies said.
Ashley Andrews, 30, was taken into custody on June 18 after deputies were called to a Taco Bell in Chester, Maryland, following reports that a customer had displayed a firearm while arguing with staff, according to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff.
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The new Taco Bell Live Mas Café is pictured in Spring, Texas, on Nov. 18, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Employees told responding deputies that Andrews grew upset about how long it was taking to receive her food. During the argument, she allegedly told workers to come outside, lifted her shirt to reveal a handgun and placed her hand on the weapon’s grip while making threatening remarks.
Deputies detained Andrews when they arrived at the restaurant, along with another person from her group who authorities said was part of an ongoing verbal dispute. Investigators said they recovered a loaded firearm from Andrews.
The sheriff’s office said investigators later reviewed surveillance footage as well as video recorded by an employee, and that the recordings appeared to support the account provided by restaurant staff.
Authorities said Ashley Andrews became upset over a delayed food order and allegedly displayed a handgun during an argument with employees at a Maryland Taco Bell. (Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff)
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Deputies said the footage showed Andrews lifting her shirt to display the handgun and placing her hand on the grip of the firearm while continuing to argue with employees.
The confrontation unfolded at a Taco Bell located in the Kent Town Market shopping center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
A loaded firearm was recovered from Andrews when deputies arrived, authorities said.
According to reporting from Law&Crime, court records show Andrews was initially held on a $5,000 bond before posting bail and securing release the following day.
A Taco Bell restaurant is illuminated at night in Woodland, Calif. (iStock)
She was charged with second-degree assault, handgun on person, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities also said she was also banned from the Taco Bell property.
According to Law&Crime, Andrews is being represented by a public defender and invoked her right to a speedy trial. A court appearance is scheduled for July.
