FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in Fond du Lac say two teens were arrested after allegedly pointing a gun, later determined to be a BB gun, at a drive-thru worker Tuesday evening.
According to a release from the Fond du Lac Police Department, officers responded around 5:15 p.m. to the McDonald’s on East Johnson Street for reports of a weapons complaint. Initial information around the weapons complaint suggested that a customer in the drive-thru pointed a gun at an employee before taking off.
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The business took immediate protective measures to secure the building following the incident. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the two suspects inside the McDonald’s prior to the incident, asking about an employee and behaving in a “concerning manner.”
One witness, based on prior contact, identified the suspects and voiced concerns over past violent behavior and access to weapons. Police then quickly identified a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old and found them and their vehicle on North Boardman Street.
Officials say they continued their surveillance of the two suspects while their investigation continued. During this time, they found that the suspects had escalated the seriousness of the situation by sending threatening messages to the McDonald’s employee.
Police, with the assistance of additional resources, including the FDLPD Bear Cat armored rescue vehicle, conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the suspects’ vehicle in the area of Portage Street and Butler Street, leading to both teens being arrested without any further incident.
Following a search warrant of the home of one of the suspects, officers recovered two realistic BB guns, with one being equipped with a tactical light/laser.
Police say that while these items were identified as BB guns, they are still made to look realistic to real firearms, leaving no easy way for victims, witnesses, and even responding officers to determine in the moment if the gun is real or a replica.
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They add that the fear experienced by those involved and the potential for a tragic outcome are “very real,” as the presence of a replica firearm does not lessen the seriousness of the incident.
At this time, the 16-year-old suspect is being held at the Fond du Lac County Secure Detention Center, where he faces multiple charges, including serious offenses related to endangering safety, disorderly conduct, and several ordinance violations.
The 17-year-old suspect was released to a parent, and he is having charges referred for his involvement in the incident.
This situation highlights how quickly a threatening encounter can escalate and the very real impact it has on victims, employees, and the broader community. We are grateful for the quick actions of the business staff, the cooperation of witnesses, and the coordinated response from our Officers to bring this situation to a safe resolution.
Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein
Chief Goldstein says all threats are taken seriously and the Fond du Lac Police Department will continue to remain committed to protecting the community.
