An 18-year-old in Florida is behind bars after threatening to shoot up a McDonald’s for messing up his order, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. The teen, identified as Dayton Schaffer, is facing charges for making false reports regarding the use of a firearm and for misuse of a communication device, as per the sheriff’s office. The incident escalated when the manager of a north Lakeland McDonald’s called the police after receiving multiple threatening calls from Schaffer, who reportedly had an issue with his $5 meal deal.
Schaffer allegedly made three calls to the McDonald’s location around 11:3,0 p.m. on June 30, according to the report. When confronted by officers, Schaffer admitted to making the calls and claimed that the reason was due to his dissatisfaction with the restaurant’s service. He expressed that he intended it as a joke, but the sheriff’s office made it clear that they did not find the humor in the situation. The department emphasized that the act of threatening violence, regardless of the context, is taken seriously and could lead to severe legal consequences.
The case has sparked discussions about the potential for minor incidents to escalate into life-threatening situations and the importance of accountability in such situations. Schaffer could face second-degree felony charges for the false report, which could have significant legal consequences. The incident underscores the need for both individuals and businesses to address grievances responsibly and to report any threatening behavior to the authorities.