A worker at a Burger King store in Florida was arrested after she shot at a customer during an altercation on March 17, authorities said. The shooter, identified as 30-year-old Shateasha Monique Hicks, is said to have opened fire on the customer after he allegedly threw mayonnaise in her face, WPLG Local 10 reported.
Per the arrest report, a witness told police that he was inside the fast-food store when he saw Hicks engaged in a verbal altercation with a customer at the drive-thru section, NBC 6 reported. The witness added that the customer later moved the car and parked at the parking space. But Hicks came out of the store and went to her car for a gun. She subsequently fired five shots at the customer’s car as they drove off.
Hicks then entered her car and fled the area. Police said they later found her car abandoned with a gun inside. She was eventually arrested after police used the address of the car’s registered owner to locate her.
Hicks has since been charged with discharging a firearm in public. WPLG Local 10 also reported she was set to be released last Friday after she posted bond.
Responding to the incident, a spokesperson for Burger King said the company was “horrified to learn of the events that unfolded” at the store. “This unacceptable behavior does not align with our brand values of safety and security,” the spokesperson added. “Our franchisee is cooperating with local authorities. As this remains an ongoing investigation, we aren’t able to share additional details at this time.”
Hicks’ aunty, however, said she doesn’t blame her niece for her actions as it was a case of self-defense. “She was protecting herself. I don’t blame her. Everybody else might, but I don’t,” she said.
