Shooting Incident at Florida Taco Bell

This week, an altercation at a Taco Bell in Florida escalated when three women reportedly used water cups to fill with soda, leading to an employee opening fire during the dispute.

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the Taco Bell located at Military Trail and 45th Street in West Palm Beach around noon on Monday. According to a probable cause affidavit shared by local news, the chaos began when the women requested water.

As per reports, one of the women filled her cup with soda from the fountain, which sparked an argument with an employee, identified as 20-year-old Dimari Jiquan Patterson. Witnesses captured video of Patterson yelling at the customers, and just before shots were fired, he could be heard brandishing a gun.

During the incident, one woman was hit and collapsed to the floor, while another sustained a graze injury. A third woman fled the scene, and Patterson allegedly pursued her outside, firing again but missing and instead shattering a nearby window.

After the shooting, the three women drove themselves to a hospital for treatment. Two of them had minor injuries, while the third was unharmed.

Patterson contacted 911, claiming that one of the customers had jumped behind the counter. He acknowledged firing the weapon and stated he had left it in a management office prior to police arrival. Investigators noted that Patterson believed the women were armed, but no weapons were recovered.

Surveillance footage and accounts from witnesses do not support a self-defense claim, as authorities indicated the women appeared to be trying to exit when the shots were fired.

A customer mentioned, “I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened. The world we live in today, it makes sense.”

Patterson was arrested and faces three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. He is currently held with bail set at $25,000 for each charge, pending further proceedings, as the state attorney’s office reviews the case.