LEESBURG, Fla. – A late-night altercation at a McDonald’s in Leesburg culminated in gunfire, leaving a customer scrambling for safety and a young employee facing serious charges. Police have arrested a 17-year-old worker on allegations of attempted murder following this unsettling chain of events.
The altercation erupted on the evening of June 8 at the McDonald’s located on North 14th Street, where the juvenile involved, Richard Ammons, was on duty. Tensions flared between Ammons and a patron during a food order, escalating into a confrontation that soon spiraled out of control.
According to police, surveillance footage captured a man clad in black passing Ammons a seemingly loaded handgun, which he then hid in his waistband. The ensuing argument soon spilled into the restaurant’s parking lot, taking a perilous turn.
A physical struggle broke out as Ammons allegedly brandished the firearm at the customer, prompting the latter to seize the weapon. In the heat of the skirmish, Ammons reportedly struck the customer on the head with the gun, inflicting a cut. While the victim attempted to flee for safety, Ammons fired a shot, narrowly missing his target, according to investigators.
When officers arrived at the scene shortly after 10:30 p.m., Ammons was seen leaving on a bicycle. Despite commands to halt, he initially evaded capture but was eventually apprehended nearby. Body camera footage released by the police reveals Ammons being detained in his McDonald’s uniform, moments before being taken into custody.
Police said officers recovered what they described as a Glock-style handgun with a suspected 3D-printed frame and an extended magazine from Ammons’ waistband. Investigators also said they found nearly 19 grams of marijuana in his backpack.
According to police, Ammons told investigators he carried the gun for protection, claiming the customer had robbed him in the past.
Ammons is facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a minor, police said.
News 6 went to the restaurant and employees said Ammons has been fired. Management declined to comment.
News 6 has contacted the owner and McDonald’s corporate office with questions about the teen’s employment, safety concerns for customers and workers and the company’s policy on guns on the property. A response has not yet been received.
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