BREAKING: McDonald’s Manager Charged After Allegedly Shooting Employee’s Mother During Workplace Dispute

July 23, 2025 – [City/State]

In a shocking and violent turn of events at a local McDonald’s, 44-year-old Kathy M. Bledsoe has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting the mother of an employee during an argument that escalated beyond control.

What Happened?

According to initial reports from local authorities, the incident unfolded when Bledsoe, who worked in a managerial role, asked a female employee to take out the trash during her shift. The employee refused to comply, prompting Bledsoe to instruct her to clock out and go home.

Rather than leaving, the employee contacted her mother—who arrived at the restaurant shortly after, accompanied by another daughter. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a confrontation, witnesses say, with tensions flaring in front of both customers and other staff.

Shots Fired

At some point during the dispute, Bledsoe retrieved a firearm and allegedly fired shots, striking the employee’s mother. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the injured woman was transported to a nearby hospital. Her current condition has not been made public, but she is reportedly receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

Bledsoe was immediately taken into police custody following the incident and is facing serious felony charges, including aggravated assault. It remains unclear whether she legally owned the weapon or brought it to work intentionally.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and they are currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Charges could be expanded depending on the outcomes of the investigation and the medical status of the victim.

“This should have never happened,” said one McDonald’s customer who witnessed part of the incident. “It’s just a fast-food job. No one should be shot over trash duty.”

McDonald’s Responds

In a brief statement, McDonald’s corporate spokesperson said:

“We are deeply disturbed by this incident. Violence has no place in our restaurants, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family.”

The local franchise location has been temporarily closed while authorities complete their investigation.

What’s Next?

Bledsoe is expected to make her first court appearance later this week. Legal analysts suggest she could face multiple charges, including unlawful use of a firearm in a public place and potential attempted manslaughter.

As the community reels from the incident, many are questioning how a dispute at a fast-food restaurant spiraled into a near-fatal encounter—and whether enough is being done to prevent firearms-related workplace violence.