Maryland deputies say one woman challenged Taco Bell employees to “meet her outside,” lifted her shirt to reveal a handgun and placed her hand on the weapon’s grip during an argument over how long it was taking to get her food.
Ashley Andrews, 30, was arrested June 18 after deputies responded to a Taco Bell in Chester, Maryland, for reports of a customer displaying a firearm during a confrontation with employees, according to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff.
Restaurant workers told deputies Andrews became angry about the wait time for her order and told staff members to meet her in the parking lot before allegedly revealing the handgun and using threatening language.
When deputies arrived, they detained Andrews and another individual from her group who authorities said was involved in an ongoing verbal dispute.
Authorities said a loaded firearm was recovered from Andrews’ person.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance video and personal video recorded by an employee that appeared to support the workers’ account, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said the footage showed Andrews lifting her shirt to display the handgun and placing her hand on the grip of the firearm while continuing to argue with employees.
The confrontation unfolded at a Taco Bell located in the Kent Town Market shopping center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
A loaded firearm was recovered from Andrews when deputies arrived, authorities said.
According to reporting from Law&Crime, court records show Andrews was initially held on a $5,000 bond before posting bail and securing release the following day.
She was charged with second-degree assault, handgun on person, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities also said she was also banned from the Taco Bell property.
According to Law&Crime, Andrews is being represented by a public defender and invoked her right to a speedy trial. A court appearance is scheduled for July.
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