Full Breakdown
Taco Bell Employee Charged After Shooting Over Soda-Filled Water Cup in West Palm Beach
4/30/2026, 6:40:23 AM
The Incident: Shots Fired Over a Drink Dispute
On Monday, April 27, 2024, at approximately noon, 20-year-old D’Mari J. Patterson, a Taco Bell employee, opened fire on three female customers at the Taco Bell located at 45th Street and Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Fla. The dispute began when the patrons asked Patterson for a cup of water; one of them filled the cup at the soda fountain. Video captured Patterson yelling, the sound of a firearm being racked, and a single shot fired inside the restaurant. The customers fled; Patterson pursued them outside and discharged a second round that missed and shattered a window. Two women sustained minor injuries—a graze and a struck arm—while the third escaped unharmed. All three drove themselves to JFK North Medical Center for treatment. Patterson later called 911, claiming a customer had jumped behind the register and that he “pulled his weapon out and shot.” He was arrested that night and booked on three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
Key Figures
- D’Mari J. Patterson – 20-year-old Taco Bell employee and suspect.
- Three female customers – victims of the shooting.
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office – conducting the investigation.
- Florida State Attorney’s Office – filing the aggravated-assault charges.
- Restaurant staff – intervened to separate Patterson from the patrons.
Timeline
- ?12:00 p.m., Apr 27 – Customers request water; one fills cup with soda; argument escalates.
- Moments later – Video records Patterson yelling, gun being racked, and a shot fired inside; a second shot fired outside.
- Immediately after – Victims exit, seek medical care; Patterson calls 911.
- Evening, Apr 27 – Patterson arrested, booked on three aggravated-assault counts.
- Tue, Apr 28 – First court appearance; Patterson remains in custody.
- May 27 – Next scheduled court date.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: 3 women.
- Injuries: 2 minor (graze, struck arm).
- Shots fired: 2 (one inside, one outside).
- Charges: 3 counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
- Age of suspect: 20.
- Location: Taco Bell, 45th St & Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL.
Official Statements & Responses
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office stated that surveillance video does not support Patterson’s self-defense claim and that he was an active participant in the verbal altercation. The Florida State Attorney’s Office filed three aggravated-assault charges and confirmed that investigators found no evidence the customers were armed. Patterson was booked into jail pending further proceedings. The restaurant has not issued a public comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Investigators described Patterson’s conduct as an “unlawful threat” that created a well-founded fear of imminent violence. The affidavit characterizes his actions as intentionally threatening, contradicting his self-defense narrative.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on how many customers entered before the dispute: some note two customers initially, with a third arriving later; others describe three women entering together. The exact wording of Patterson’s 911 statement varies (“pulled his weapon out and shot” vs. “customer jumped behind the register”). No independent witness corroborated his claim that the patrons were armed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Do something! Do something! Do something,” — Witness, cellphone footage
- “pulled his weapon out and shot.” — D’Mari J. Patterson, 911 call
- “get jiggy,” — D’Mari J. Patterson, statement to officer
- “pulled [his] gun and fired shots in the air.” — D’Mari J. Patterson, admission to officer
- “the sound of the slide of a firearm being racked is clearly audible,” — Affidavit description
What’s Next
Patterson remains in custody awaiting a hearing on May 27. The Florida State Attorney’s Office continues its investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is reviewing the video evidence for any additional charges.
