LEESBURG, Fla. – A dispute at a Leesburg McDonald’s ended with a shot fired, a customer running for cover and a 17-year-old employee arrested on attempted murder charges, according to police.
Leesburg police said the teen, identified as Richard Ammons, was working when the incident happened June 8 at the McDonald’s on North 14th Street.
Investigators said a customer and Ammons argued while the customer was ordering food. Police said surveillance video shows a man dressed in black handing Ammons what appears to be a handgun, which investigators said Ammons then tucked into his waistband.
Police said a fight later broke out in the parking lot after Ammons pointed the gun at the customer and the customer grabbed it. Investigators said Ammons struck the victim in the head with the gun, causing a cut, then fired one shot as the victim ran away for cover. Police said the shot missed.
Officers said they arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m. and spotted Ammons riding away on a bicycle. Police said he did not stop when ordered, but an officer tracked him down a short distance away. Body-camera video released by police shows Ammons being taken into custody while still wearing his McDonald’s uniform.
Police said officers recovered what they described as a Glock-style handgun with a suspected 3D-printed frame and an extended magazine from Ammons’ waistband. Investigators also said they found nearly 19 grams of marijuana in his backpack.
According to police, Ammons told investigators he carried the gun for protection, claiming the customer had robbed him in the past.
Ammons is facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a minor, police said.
News 6 went to the restaurant and employees said Ammons has been fired. Management declined to comment.
News 6 has contacted the owner and McDonald’s corporate office with questions about the teen’s employment, safety concerns for customers and workers and the company’s policy on guns on the property. A response has not yet been received.