A dispute over garbage duty at a McDonald’s in Belleville, Illinois, spiraled into violence, leaving one woman hospitalized with a gunshot wound and another facing felony weapons charges, according to police.
The Belleville Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on July 16 at the fast-food restaurant. Authorities say the on-duty manager, 44-year-old Kathy Bledsoe, asked a teenage employee to take out the trash. When the teen refused, Bledsoe told her to clock out and go home.
Instead, police say the teen called her mother, 35-year-old Tynika McKinzie, who arrived at the restaurant with another juvenile girl. What began as a heated verbal exchange quickly escalated.
According to police, McKinzie walked behind the counter, entered Bledsoe’s office, and allegedly struck the manager in the head and face. In response, Bledsoe reportedly pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot, hitting McKinzie in the leg.
Emergency crews transported McKinzie to a local hospital for treatment, while Bledsoe was taken into custody.
Bledsoe has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and McKinzie faces charges of aggravated battery and mob action.
In a statement on Facebook, the Belleville Police Department lamented the violent outcome. “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,” the department wrote. “This was an unnecessary incident that could have been mitigated without punches being thrown or a gun being used.”
The owner and operator of the McDonald’s location told Fox News Digital they were “shocked and saddened” by the altercation. “Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our people,” the statement read. “Right now, we’re focused on providing support to our restaurant crew and will continue to assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
Both women remain under investigation as authorities continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements related to the incident.
