Tuscaloosa McDonald’s Worker Points Gun at Family, Flees Police, Jumps from Balcony
A man was hospitalized after brandishing a gun at a McDonald's in Tuscaloosa, fleeing from police and jumping from a second-story apartment building Tuesday night.
Tuscaloosa Police Department spokesperson Stephanie Taylor confirmed to the Thread that the initial incident occurred at 10:47 p.m. at the McDonald's on 15th Street.
Taylor said a couple and their 6-year-old daughter were picking up an order when an employee became angry and used profane language before asking the customers to pull around to the pickup window.
The couple told police that the employee, identified as 21-year-old Jaquan Patton, came out to the parking lot and pointed a handgun in the direction of the couple, who then called 911.
Officers arrived on the scene minutes later and found Patton in the parking lot but he reportedly fled the area, kicking off a pursuit when he ran on foot toward Sixth Street East and Blue Haus Apartments located behind Midtown Village.
Patton allegedly ran to the second story of one of the apartment complex buildings and later jumped to the ground, sustaining injuries. Officers recovered the gun at the scene, which was later determined to be stolen.
Patton told officers on the scene he ran because he had outstanding warrants.
Patton was taken to an area hospital for treatment, Taylor said. Upon release, he will be jailed on several charges, including attempting to elude, second-degree receiving stolen property, obstruction of justice by giving a false identity and outstanding warrants on unrelated charges.
The investigation is ongoing, Taylor said, and additional charges are expected to be brought against Patton.