Three former Dunkin’ employees in Texas are facing assault charges after allegedly threatening a drive-thru customer with a gun in a disturbing incident that occurred earlier this month.
The three employees, aged 20, 19, and 17, were arrested following a dispute on December 9 at a Dunkin’ store in northeast El Paso. Each is now charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded when a woman, accompanied by her boyfriend, visited the franchised Dunkin’ store in the evening with the intention of purchasing doughnuts through the drive-thru. According to the woman’s account given to the El Paso Police Department, the situation escalated when she perceived the employee who attended them as being rude. In response, she requested to speak with the manager through the intercom.
However, instead of addressing her concern professionally, an employee on the other end of the intercom identified himself as the manager, using explicit language. This further escalated the situation, leading to a disturbing turn of events.
According to the woman, one of the Dunkin’ employees allegedly loaded a round into a gun, pointed it at her 41-year-old boyfriend, and menacingly declared, “Ya’ll gonna die tonight.” Fearing for their safety, the couple immediately reported the incident to the police.
Law enforcement promptly responded to reports of a disturbance involving a person with a gun in the area. Subsequently, the three Dunkin’ employees were arrested, and the police seized three guns believed to be involved in the altercation.
The trio of employees, facing serious charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, comprises individuals aged 20, 19, and 17. They were subsequently released on a $100,000 bond each.
The incident raises concerns about the behavior of service industry employees and the potential risks faced by customers in seemingly routine situations. Dunkin’, a popular chain known for its coffee and doughnuts, will likely conduct an internal investigation into the incident to determine the appropriate course of action.
In recent years, instances of violence and aggression at fast-food establishments have garnered attention, prompting a broader discussion about the safety and training of employees in customer-facing roles. Incidents like these not only pose a risk to public safety but can also result in significant reputational damage for the companies involved.
Customers have a reasonable expectation of safety when patronizing businesses, and companies must take proactive measures to ensure that their employees are adequately trained to handle customer concerns without resorting to violence or intimidation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a secure and respectful environment for customers and employees alike. As the legal proceedings unfold, Dunkin’ will likely face scrutiny over its handling of the situation and the steps taken to prevent such incidents in the future.