A Florida man has been arrested after making violent threats against a McDonald’s location in Polk County, all because his Chicken McNuggets were forgotten in his order, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Dayton Wayne Schaffer, 18, allegedly used his phone to call McDonald’s three times and threatened to “shoot this s— up” in response to the mistake.
Details of the Incident
The bizarre incident unfolded around 1 a.m. on Wednesday when employees at the McDonald’s called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report the threats.
Schaffer is accused of calling the fast-food restaurant and using foul language, telling staff that he would shoot up the place because they forgot to include his $5 meal deal with Chicken McNuggets.
The staff, alarmed by the threats, locked all the doors and contacted law enforcement for assistance.
Authorities Track Schaffer Down
Sheriff Grady Judd made light of the situation with a series of McDonald’s-related puns, calling Schaffer a “McNut” and joking that he used his “McPhone” to make the “McThreat” to McDonald’s. Deputies quickly connected the phone number used to place the threatening calls to Schaffer.
Upon arriving at his home, Schaffer’s mother confirmed the phone belonged to him, and deputies were able to locate him at a friend’s house.
After being read his Miranda rights, Schaffer admitted to making the threats. He claimed that the call was intended as a joke and that he had no intention of actually harming anyone. However, he acknowledged his actions were prompted by the frustration of not receiving his Chicken McNuggets.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Schaffer faces serious charges, including using a two-way communication device to commit a felony and making a false report of a bomb or weapon of mass destruction. Sheriff Judd emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that Schaffer’s behavior was not only inappropriate but also dangerous.
“He may have thought it was a joke, but threats like that are no laughing matter,” Judd said.
Schaffer is currently being held in Polk County Jail without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on August 5.
While the incident may seem bizarre, it serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from making threats, even if they are intended as jokes. Schaffer’s case highlights the importance of taking such situations seriously, and he will now have to face the legal consequences of his actions.
Meanwhile, the McDonald’s staff is thankfully unharmed, but the ordeal has clearly shaken them, as they were forced to take swift action to protect themselves and others in the restaurant.
