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https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/crime/illinois-mcdonalds-shooting- charges-restaurant-manager-teen-employees-mom/63-28a4ad2a-251b-4a6c-b0a2- a2d03ec9fe92?ref=exit-recirc

BELLEVILLE, Ill. � A McDonald's manager and a teen employee's mother are
both facing felony charges after a Wednesday dispute led to a shooting
inside the Belleville restaurant.

The Belleville Police Department announced Friday that manager Kathy M. Bledsoe, 44, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and
Tynika McKinzie, 35, was charged with aggravated battery and mob action.

According to police, Bledsoe told a teenage employee to clock out and go
home after the girl refused to take the trash out.

The girl told her mother, McKinzie, who then came to the restaurant on
South Belt East with another teen girl to confront Bledsoe. A "verbal disturbance" ensued in the lobby, and then McKinzie and her daughter went behind the front counter and walked to the office area.

McKinzie hit Bledsoe in the face and head, police said, and Bledsoe pulled
out a gun and fired one shot, striking McKinzie in the leg.

Bledsoe was taken into custody at the restaurant, and McKinzie was taken
to a hospital for treatment.

Initial reports from police indicated two people had been shot. It was
unclear where the discrepancy occurred.

"It is unfortunate that this incident occurred," the Belleville Police Department wrote in a statement. "It seems individuals are quick to resort
to violence to resolve disputes without consideration of the impact their actions have on the community as a whole. This was an unnecessary incident
that could have been mitigated without punches being thrown or a gun being used."

"I just can't believe it happened in a town like this. That's all. Just insanity," said McDonald's customer Jay Hanscom, who lives in Godfrey,
adding that he was glad to hear no bystanders were hurt..

Belleville neighbor Danielle Odom noted that the McDonald's is often
filled with customers.

"It makes you scared to go anywhere. Makes you scared to take your kids anywhere," she said, adding, "A lot of arguments and things that turn into shootings could be avoided just by communication. Better communication is honestly the key."

A local McDonald's owner-operator said in a statement, "We are shocked and saddened by this attack. Our top priority is always the safety and well-
being of our people. Right now, we're focused on providing support to our restaurant crew and will continue to assist law enforcement in their investigation."

McKinzie was not currently in custody, police said. Bledsoe was in the
custody of the Belleville Police Department pending transfer to the St.
Clair County Jail.

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