A father with facial paralysis said he felt like a criminal after McDonald's staff called police because they thought he was drunk.
Craig Brown, 46, was stunned when an “overwhelming” number of police vans swooped into the drive-through after waiting nearly an hour for food.
He was paying for two chicken mayo sandwiches, a hamburger and three hot chocolates when six police officers ordered him from his car around 1 a.m. last Sunday.
Employees at a fast food restaurant in Blackpole, Worcester, called police believing the father-of-five was drunk and smoking cannabis.
However, a test confirmed that he was completely sober, and to add insult to injury, McDonald gave him food that was completely cold.
Craig was previously diagnosed with Bell's palsy, which causes one side of his face to droop at times, and he believes staff misinterpreted his condition as being drunk.
He said he joked with the cashier that he “needed a hotel” after waiting 45 minutes, but insisted he did not appear drunk or slurred.
The self-employed electrician claimed he was with a friend when he was suddenly asked to wait in the car park, where he remained until police arrived 10 minutes later.
Craig, who lives in Worcester, said: “It was a real bit of an ordeal and I was shocked when I saw the police arrive with their blue lights on.
“I saw one van and then two arrived. It was a shocking experience. I didn't think they would come to pick me up.
“I'm not a restless person, but when I order food and walk past the intercom, I end up waiting 40 minutes.
“When we went to the window, they handed us hot chocolate and told us to park in the bay. I jokingly said to them, 'Shall we book a hotel?' I think so.
“They said, 'Sorry, the screen went off,' so I think they were lying to me until the police arrived.
“I had slurred speech and I wasn't drunk. You can tell right away if someone's on drugs, but not me.
“Then the police arrived, stopped the car and just left. They were looking for the number plate and I didn’t think it fit.
“When they accused me of being drunk and on drugs, I was shocked and couldn't believe it.
“I don't do drugs and I don't drink much, so I was surprised.
“There were people watching me. I use that van all the time. That's my name. It made me feel like a criminal.
“They made me take a breathalyzer test and I told them I got a zero score.
“After the police were done with me, I got some food, but it was very cold. They didn't offer me any alternative food or anything.
“I understand they have a duty if there's someone drunk in the store or someone reverses into my car, but they don't have any evidence that I've been drinking or using drugs. I didn't.”
Craig said he was diagnosed with Bell's palsy several years ago, which caused one side of his face to droop, which may have contributed to the confusion.
She added: “I had Bell's Palsy so one side of my face is a bit drooped, but other than that I can certainly tell when someone is drunk.''
“Maybe my face was drooping to one side, I don’t know, maybe that’s why, but it still doesn’t work.
“It’s so disproportionate why six police officers also came, one of them had a flashing blue light.
“I was pretty shocked because when I saw the van with the blue lights I thought something had happened. There was no way I was on drugs.
“It was terrifying. We don't need three vans and six police officers. I don't know what McDonald's right to call the police.
“If they saw me coming out of the pub across the street and swerving, they would understand, but I didn’t.
“It makes me sick to think about how much money I spent there and how they treated me. I'll definitely think twice about coming back.”
A McDonald's spokesperson said: “At McDonald's, we are committed to being responsible neighbors and contributing to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve.
“In this case, although our team's intentions were good, it appears that our judgment was incorrect, and we apologize to our customers.
“However, it is important to emphasize that we remain focused on the safety of our communities.”
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended the Blackpole Retail Park at around 1.10am on Sunday, October 6, following reports of concerns about a driver who may have been drink-driving. McDonald's was notified.”
“Upon arrival, officers located the driver, who passed a field sobriety test, and no further police action was necessary.”
