Full Breakdown
Taco Bell Employee Charged After Shooting Over Soda-Water Cup Dispute in West Palm Beach
5/3/2026, 8:24:13 AM
Incident Overview
On April 27, 2024, just before noon, D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, a 20-year-old employee at the Taco Bell on 45th Street and Military Trail in West Palm Beach, fired two shots during a dispute with three female customers who tried to fill a water cup with soda. One woman fell after being struck, another was grazed, and the third escaped unharmed. All three received treatment for minor injuries and left the scene. Patterson was arrested, charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and held on a $75,000 bond.
Key Individuals
- D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson – 20-year-old Taco Bell employee and alleged shooter.
- Three unnamed female customers – victims; minor injuries.
- Rob Steiner – eyewitness who recorded video.
- Marc Shiner – attorney for Patterson.
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office – investigating agency.
Official Statements & Responses
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said no weapons were found on the women and that surveillance video does not support Patterson’s claim of self-defense. Attorney Shiner described the episode as an unfortunate incident in which Patterson was protecting the business from aggressive individuals. Taco Bell has not issued a comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Witness Rob Steiner recalled the confrontation growing “louder and louder” before the gunshot and stressed that the customers were unarmed. Local observers warned that the episode highlights the danger of firearms in routine service settings and urged stricter safety protocols for fast-food venues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Patterson told officers he fired in self-defense, saying a customer “jumped behind the counter” and that he believed the women were armed. Police and the video, however, show no weapons and depict Patterson initiating the exchange. The victims’ statements have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Do Something! Do Something,” — D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson (video audio)
- “I ran out. I was in fight or flight. I was screaming,” — Rob Steiner, witness
- “In a statement, Patterson's attorney, Marc Shiner, said, "This was an unfortunate incident where this young man was protecting the business from very aggressive young people.” — Marc Shiner, attorney
- “I didn’t know it was a gunshot at first,” — Rob Steiner, witness
Why It Matters
The incident spotlights ongoing debates over firearm access, employee-customer confrontations, and safety protocols in fast-food settings. It raises questions about how quickly routine disputes can turn lethal and about corporate responsibility when violent events occur on restaurant premises.
Next Steps
Patterson remains in custody pending a May 27 hearing. If convicted, he faces significant prison time under Florida’s aggravated assault statutes. The case has prompted local calls for reviews of firearm policies in public venues and for enhanced security measures at fast-food outlets.
