A McDonald’s employee in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is facing murder charges after a fatal shooting incident at the fast-food chain, local law enforcement reported. The accused, 35-year-old Sam Antwan Ivey, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in relation to the shooting that occurred on Monday morning.
The incident reportedly originated from a disagreement between two women at a nearby bus stop. One woman sought safety in the McDonald’s, with the other woman pursuing her. The manager of the restaurant stepped in, separating the two women. One of the women left the establishment but returned shortly after.
Upon her return, the woman, later identified as 30-year-old Jacklyn Marie Reed from Johnson City, Tennessee, allegedly interacted with Ivey. Authorities claim that Ivey responded by shooting Reed with a concealed handgun before fleeing the scene.
Ivey was subsequently apprehended at a local elementary school, where a school resource officer recognized him as a parent. Law enforcement officials have stated that they do not believe Ivey intended to harm anyone at the school, and the shooting at the McDonald’s is considered an isolated incident.
In addition to the murder charge, Ivey is also facing charges for possession of a firearm by a felon. He is currently being held without bond at the Henderson County Detention Center. It remains unclear whether Ivey has secured legal representation or entered a plea.
Teresa Edwards, the owner of the McDonald’s franchise, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the victim’s family. Edwards also stated that the employee’s actions were in direct violation of the company’s conduct policy, which prohibits firearms on company property. She added that all employees undergo conflict-management training, and the company is considering expanding this training in light of the tragic event.