Authorities in Illinois said a McDonald’s manager opened fire on a female juvenile employee’s mother after the suspect sent her home for refusing to take out the trash.
In a statement, the Belleville Police Department said the July 16 incident occurred at a McDonald’s at 125 South Belt East. Officers who responded to the scene established that an employee identified as Kathy M. Bledsoe, 44, had opened fire inside the establishment.
Authorities said that Bledsoe, who is a manager at the restaurant, initially got into a dispute with a female juvenile employee after she asked the latter to take trash to the dumpster. Bledsoe is said to have ultimately instructed the juvenile employee to clock out and return home after she refused to take out the trash.
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“The juvenile contacted her mother, Tynika R. McKinzie, who responded to the store with another juvenile female,” the statement said. “A verbal disturbance ensued in the lobby area of the business. McKinzie and her juvenile daughter eventually went behind the front counter of the business and proceeded 75 feet beyond the counter to the office area. McKinzie battered Bledsoe in the face and head.”
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Authorities also said that during the altercation, Bledsoe drew a handgun and opened fire, hitting McKinzie in the leg. Bledsoe was ultimately arrested while McKinzie was taken to a health facility to receive medical attention.
Bledsoe has since been charged with one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. McKinzie, 35, on the other hand, has been charged with one count of aggravated battery and one count of mob action.
“It is unfortunate that this incident occurred. 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 Belleville Police Department said in the statement.
“This was an unnecessary incident that could have been mitigated without punches being thrown or a gun being used. BPD will continue to work with community members to ensure individuals who wish to handle disputes in this manner are held accountable.”
