In Maryland, a woman allegedly challenged Taco Bell employees to “meet her outside” after showing frustration with the wait time for her order. During the confrontation, she reportedly revealed a handgun by lifting her shirt and placed her hand on its grip.
Authorities in Queen Anne’s County reported that Ashley Andrews, aged 30, was detained on June 18. The arrest followed an incident at a Taco Bell in Chester, Maryland, where Andrews allegedly brandished a firearm during an altercation with the restaurant’s staff.
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A view of the new Taco Bell Live Mas Café, captured in Spring, Texas, on November 18, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Restaurant employees informed the deputies that Andrews grew agitated over the delay in receiving her food, demanding they follow her outside. She allegedly revealed her firearm during the encounter, using language perceived as threatening.
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.
Authorities said Ashley Andrews became upset over a delayed food order and allegedly displayed a handgun during an argument with employees at a Maryland Taco Bell. ( Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff)
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.
A Taco Bell restaurant is illuminated at night in Woodland, Calif. (iStock)
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.