Authorities report that a manager and employee at a McDonald’s in Belleville, Illinois, are facing felony charges after a dispute over trash escalated into a shooting. Kathy Bledsoe, 44, the manager, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, while Tinica McKinsey, 35, was charged with aggravated battery and mob action.
The incident occurred on July 16, around 4:45 PM, when police were called to the restaurant. According to reports, Bledsoe had asked her teenage daughter to take out the trash, but the girl refused. Following that, Bledsoe instructed her to leave the premises for the day.
Then, the teenager called McKinsey, who arrived at the restaurant with another individual. The argument intensified, leading McKinsey to walk behind the counter and confront Bledsoe. It is alleged that McKinsey struck Bledsoe multiple times. In response, Bledsoe reportedly pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot, striking McKinsey in the leg.
Emergency services transported McKinsey for treatment of her injury, while police arrested Bledsoe at the scene. The Belleville Police Department shared their disappointment on social media, emphasizing how unfortunate it is that individuals resort to violence instead of resolving conflicts peacefully. They condemned the incident as unnecessary and committed to collaborating with the community to address such disputes more responsibly.
The operator and owner of the McDonald’s expressed their shock and sadness regarding the incident, stating that the safety and well-being of their staff is of utmost importance. They are now focused on supporting their employees and cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.
