An alarming incident unfolded on March 18 at a local fast food establishment when a loaded gun with an extended magazine was discovered in the backpack of an employee. According to a report by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Blog, management was alerted about an employee allegedly planning to shoot a co-worker. They conducted a search of said employee's backpack, which revealed the firearm.
Initially, the individual in question claimed that juveniles had asked him to hold onto the weapon, placing it in his backpack during his lunch break. However, review of surveillance footage confirmed, that no such exchange took place. The employee was found to have been in possession of the gun all along. Subsequent to the discovery, Pierce County deputies arrived on the scene and the employee was arrested on several serious charges.
The suspect is facing charges of attempted assault in the first degree, which law enforcement officials say is supported by evidence indicating he had taken "a substantial step" by bringing the firearm into his workplace, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, the individual has been charged with possession of a stolen firearm, noting the gun was previously reported stolen and also a firearm violation for being under the age of 21.
The management's swift action in reporting the threat to the police potentially averted a tragic outcome. "Great job to the managers who quickly reported to the police. This could have been a much worst situation," lauded the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Blog.
