Ashley Andrews, a 30-year-old Maryland woman, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after allegedly threatening employees at a Taco Bell location in Chester, Md., over her wait time for food, according to the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff.
Background
The incident occurred on June 18 at approximately 5:30 p.m. at the Taco Bell located in Kent Town Market in Chester — a census-designated place on Kent Island situated roughly 15 miles east of Annapolis. Deputies responded to the fast-food restaurant after receiving a report of a woman displaying a handgun during a verbal altercation with employees.
When law enforcement arrived, they detained two individuals: Andrews, who matched the suspect's description, and another person described as a member of Andrews' group who was involved in an ongoing verbal argument inside the restaurant. After taking Andrews into custody, deputies recovered a loaded firearm from her person and had staff members identify her as the suspect.
The Charges
Andrews has been charged with one count each of second-degree assault, displaying a handgun to a person, disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct, and reckless endangerment. Court records indicate she was assessed $5,000 bail following her arrest, which she posted on June 19.
"Staff advised Andrews had become upset over her wait time for her food and during a verbal argument told staff members to meet her outside in the parking lot," the sheriff's office said in a press release. "She then lifted her shirt to show her gun and used threatening language towards them."
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the restaurant as well as video captured on an employee's cellphone. Deputies determined that Andrews acted as described, with footage showing "the defendant lifting her shirt to display a handgun and placing her hand on the grip of the gun while arguing with staff."
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Andrews, 30, was arrested June 18 at a Taco Bell in Chester, Md., after allegedly threatening employees over wait time for her food order
- She is charged with second-degree assault, displaying a handgun to a person, disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct, and reckless endangerment
- Deputies recovered a loaded firearm from Andrews' person following her arrest
- Surveillance footage confirmed she lifted her shirt to display the handgun while arguing with staff members
- Andrews posted $5,000 bail on June 19 and is being represented by a public defender
What's Next
Andrews invoked her speedy trial rights during her Monday court appearance. Trial in the case is slated for July 23 in Queen Anne's County Circuit Court. The sheriff's office had not responded to requests for additional comment as of publication.
The Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff handled the investigation.