Incident at Maryland Taco Bell Leads to Arrest

A confrontation erupted at a Taco Bell in Chester, Maryland, when a customer, Ashley Andrews, 30, became upset about the delay in receiving her food. In the heat of the moment, she reportedly told employees to “meet me outside,” then lifted her shirt to display a handgun, putting her hand on its grip, as detailed by Maryland lawmakers.

The incident took place on June 18, prompting law enforcement to respond to the fast-food restaurant following reports of a customer brandishing a firearm. Upon arrival, officers detained Andrews and another individual involved in the dispute. A loaded firearm was recovered from Andrews.

Restaurant staff indicated that Andrews was angered by the wait and made threatening comments toward employees in the parking lot prior to the weapon display. Following the incident, police reviewed both surveillance footage and personal videos taken by the employees, which seemed to back up the workers’ accounts of what transpired.

Deputies noted that the video showed Andrews lifting her shirt and arguing with employees, all while her hand remained on the gun. This troubling scene unfolded at the Taco Bell located in the Kent Town Market Shopping Center.

After her arrest, Andrews faced multiple charges, including second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. She was initially held on a $5,000 bail and later secured her release the following day.

Currently represented by a public defender, Andrews plans to seek a speedy trial, with a court appearance set for July.