In a disturbing incident, police in northeast Ohio are reaching out to the public for assistance in locating an individual who menaced a Burger King drive-thru employee with a firearm after a dispute over a discount. The unsettling encounter unfolded in a Cleveland suburb around 9 a.m. on Easter, as reported by the Willowick Police Department.

Terrifying Encounter at the Drive-Thru

According to reports from the Burger King employee involved, Howard Vernon, the altercation began when he attempted to offer the customer a discount on his order. As Vernon recounted to WOIO-TV, the customer had placed an order comprising two sausage, egg, and cheese croissants, a sausage biscuit, and hash browns, totaling about $8. However, the customer contested the total, insisting it should have been around $11. Vernon attempted to clarify that there was an ongoing promotion resulting in the lower price, but the situation quickly escalated as the customer grew increasingly agitated and verbally abusive.

“He was like, ‘My order can’t be right, it should be like $11,’ and I’m like trying to explain to him that we had a promotion going on, and like it’s cheaper, and he started cussing and getting all loud, and I was like, ‘I don’t know what to tell you, I don’t know why you want to pay more money,’” recounted Vernon.

The confrontation didn’t end there. After initially speeding away, the customer returned to the scene shortly thereafter. Surveillance footage from the Burger King captured the alarming moment when the suspect, standing outside his black vehicle beside another white car at the drive-thru window, brandished a firearm, pointing it menacingly at the employee inside.

Employee’s Account of the Alarming Incident

Howard Vernon’s harrowing experience sheds light on the gravity of the situation faced by service industry workers. What began as a routine transaction quickly devolved into a frightening confrontation, leaving Vernon and others at the establishment shaken by the brazen display of aggression.

The images released by the Willowick Police Department depict a scenario that could have easily turned tragic. The suspect’s reckless actions not only endangered the life of the Burger King employee but also posed a threat to innocent bystanders in the vicinity.

What Did the Authorities Say?

In light of this incident, authorities urge anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect to come forward. The safety of the community is paramount, and cooperation from the public is essential in apprehending individuals who engage in such dangerous behavior.

In conclusion, the incident at the Burger King drive-thru serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by those in the service industry. It underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in our communities.