NEW YORK, June 19: A McDonald's drive-thru dispute turned violent when a 22-year-old employee in Lakeland, Florida, took out a gun and fired shots at customers. The shocking incident, captured on surveillance video, unfolded on Friday and quickly escalated from a verbal altercation to gunfire.

The altercation began when customers complained about an incorrect order, leading to an argument between the employee, identified as Chassidy Gardner, and the patrons. Lakeland police responded to the scene around 1 a.m. following reports of a shooting at the fast-food restaurant chain.

According to authorities, Gardner engaged in a heated exchange with the customers in the drive-thru lane, culminating in her throwing a drink at them as they attempted to leave. Surveillance footage shows two of the customers exiting their vehicle and retaliating by throwing drinks at Gardner through the drive-thru window.

In response, Gardner retrieved a handgun and continued the confrontation as the customers drove around the establishment. The situation quickly escalated, with Gardner allegedly firing shots at the customers.

The incident underscores the alarming escalation of conflicts in public spaces and the potential dangers posed by the presence of firearms. Authorities have arrested Gardner on charges related to the shooting, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.