A disagreement over a Taco Bell order turned into a criminal case after deputies say a Maryland woman threatened employees with a handgun because she was unhappy with how long her food was taking.
According to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff, the incident happened on June 18 at a Taco Bell in Chester, Maryland. Deputies say 30-year-old Ashley Andrews became involved in a verbal dispute with employees after growing frustrated with the wait for her order.
Investigators say the situation escalated when Andrews allegedly told employees to meet her outside in the parking lot before lifting her shirt to display a handgun and making threatening remarks.
Fortunately, no shots were fired, and no one was injured. Deputies responded to the restaurant, detained Andrews, and recovered what they described as a loaded handgun.
Deputies Say Surveillance Video Backed Up Employees’ Claims
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the Taco Bell after receiving reports that a woman was displaying a handgun during a confrontation with employees.
When they arrived, deputies detained Andrews along with another person from her group who had also been involved in the verbal dispute inside the restaurant.
Employees identified Andrews as the woman who allegedly threatened them. Investigators reviewed both the restaurant’s surveillance footage and video captured on an employee’s cellphone. According to deputies, the recordings showed Andrews lifting her shirt to display the handgun while placing her hand on the firearm’s grip during the argument.
Deputies recovered the loaded handgun from Andrews at the scene.
She was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, handgun on person, disturbing the peace/disorderly conduct, and reckless endangerment. She was also issued a trespass notice prohibiting her from returning to that Taco Bell location.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Andrews is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Carrying a Firearm Comes With Serious Responsibility
Whether someone legally owns a firearm or carries one with a permit, responsible gun ownership also means knowing when not to let emotions take over.
Arguments over customer service, long wait times, or disagreements with employees should never escalate to the point where a firearm is displayed or used to intimidate others. Incidents like this can quickly transform what began as a routine complaint into serious criminal charges.
Restaurant employees regularly deal with frustrated customers, but they should never have to fear for their safety while simply doing their jobs.
Even the Sheriff’s Office Joined in on the Comments
The sheriff’s Facebook post quickly attracted hundreds of comments, with many readers struggling to believe someone would allegedly risk criminal charges over Taco Bell.
One commenter wrote, “Imagine making a life-changing mistake over a chalupa.”
Another joked, “That will be the most expensive Crunchwrap she’s ever bought.”
Several readers pointed out the obvious. “There is nothing at Taco Bell worth catching a felony charge for,” one person wrote.
The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office even joined in on some of the lighter moments. After one commenter asked whether Andrews ever got her food, the department replied, “No, she did not.”
Another person asked if she at least got to eat before being arrested. The sheriff’s office responded simply, “Negative.”
Other readers offered their own punchlines. One wrote, “Justice was served, and the food was not.” Another quipped, “Instead of saving time, she’s getting time.”
Not everyone found humor in the incident. Many commenters pointed out that the employees were simply trying to do their jobs and that no one working in customer service should have to worry about being threatened over a food order.