11 Craziest Things to Ever Happen at McDonald's
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VOICE OVER: Ryan Wild
WRITTEN BY: Arianna Wechter
From bizarre customer behavior to shocking criminal activities, McDonald's has seen it all. Join us as we explore the most outrageous incidents that have unfolded under the Golden Arches. From car-stealing kids to raccoon-toting patrons, these stories will leave you speechless and wondering what could possibly happen next at your local Mickey D's. Our list includes a child's joyride for burgers, a dead raccoon incident, a straw-related brawl, the infamous Monopoly scam, Szechuan sauce riots, and even more unbelievable events. We'll also delve into some darker moments, like drug-dealing through Happy Meals and tragic acts of violence that have occurred at these fast-food establishments. What do you think is the craziest thing to happen at a McDonalds? Let us know in the comments.
10 Craziest Things to Ever Happen at McDonald’s
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the wildest and most chaotic events to have ever taken place inside the Golden Arches.
Child Steals Car to Go to McDonald’s (2017)
Modern problems require modern solutions. After getting a hankering for fast food, an eight-year-old decided he would treat himself and his sister to a meal at McDonald’s. How did he accomplish this? By going full “Grand Theft Auto” and stealing his parents' car to make the trip. Although he proved more adept than some adults by following traffic rules, witnesses still rightfully called the situation to the local police. Even though nothing had happened, had it gone completely unnoticed, there’s no telling what– or who– he could’ve struck. Luckily for him, no charges were pressed and he got the burger he was craving – but we can’t promise that good fortune continued after he got home.
Man Brings Dead Raccoon Inside (2019)
We’re not lovin’ this. It’s bad enough seeing a live animal in a restaurant. That pales in comparison to the alternative. In 2019, a San Francisco location made headlines after an unhoused man brought a deceased raccoon inside and placed it on the table. Another customer immediately began to film, capturing both the man’s confusion and other patrons tracking the animal’s blood around the eatery. The disgusting incident was immediately handled, with the building closing for a few hours until it could be properly disinfected, and the man being evaluated for mental health issues. Even though it was quickly dealt with, the incident still lives on today thanks to that video. It seems it won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Brawl Over Plastic Straws (2018)
While most go out of their way to avoid a fight, others seemingly look for reasons to start swinging. For one Floridian customer in 2018, that reason was not automatically being given a straw, thanks to a new rule put in place days beforehand. Rather than kindly ask for one, he immediately confronted the cashier – and quickly escalated the situation by attempting to grab her. Luckily, she was able to stand her ground and get several hits in. That still didn’t stop him from demanding she be fired and assaulting another employee as he left the store. He even had the gall to call the police on her – ultimately leading to his own arrest.
McDonald’s Monopoly Scam (2001)
What started as a simple way to increase sales and offer prizes to patrons quickly spiraled into a global phenomenon. However, it almost all came crashing down in the early 2000s, thanks to an internal mistake that was heavily exploited. Jerome P. Jacobson – the chief of security for the company partnering with McDonald’s for the sweepstakes – began stealing the highest-earning game pieces himself, before distributing them to various members of the Italian-American mafia. He kept up the ruse throughout the 1990s, helping his accomplices steal over $24 million before he was finally found out. Dozens of people were indicted as a result, with the ringleader himself serving three years behind bars at a federal prison.
Topless Woman Goes on Rampage (2014)
Everybody has bad days from time to time. While others deal with those feelings by journaling or going for a walk, others opt for more destructive ways of coping. It all started when an employee refused a woman’s sexual advances in the parking lot – leading her to snap. The security cameras inside the eatery caught every second of her rampage, including her tipping machines over and even eating ice cream straight out of the dispenser. Even when officers arrived on the scene, she still didn’t back down. She proceeded to harass them even as they were arresting her, leading to additional charges. It was eventually revealed that she had been suffering a mental health crisis – and supposedly didn’t remember a single thing.
Szechuan Sauce Riots (2017)
Some trends blow up larger than anyone could’ve ever anticipated. By the time season three of “Rick and Morty” began, it had already built a large following of devoted fans. So, when it was revealed that a product mentioned by one of the titular characters would be making a limited-time comeback, excitement was initially high. Szechuan sauce – which was initially released in 1998 to promote “Mulan” – made its return in 2017 and immediately became a hit. However, the excitement quickly got out of hand, with hundreds of people arriving at certain locations, and police officers having to come keep the peace after they ran out. It was a dual lesson in mob mentality and the importance of having enough supply to meet the demand.
Mass McDonald’s Brawl (2016)
When going out to grab a bite to eat, witnessing a fight or violence of any kind is the last thing someone wants to deal with. Those going to the McDonald’s in Barking, London could’ve never anticipated they would be subjected to the largest brawl in the area since 2011. While it’s unknown exactly how the altercation began, it quickly grew in size, with 200 people being involved in total. Several weapons were also used, ranging from corrosive chemicals to baseball bats covered in nails. When the smoke finally cleared, 21 people had been arrested, and three officers had been injured. All in all, the brutal, chaotic fight lasted over six hours before finally coming to an end.
Heroin Happy Meals (2014)
Walter White has nothing on her. In 2014, Shantia Dennis decided to combine her day job with her underground one – by including doses of heroin in certain Happy Meals. She used the drive-thru window as her center of operations, where customers would use a code phrase to indicate they wanted a different kind of treat with their meal. When undercover officers eventually bought from her, they were given a box with ten bags inside – more than enough evidence to make their arrest. Another fifty were found while she was being apprehended. When all was said and done, she was hit with five separate criminal charges. Had she not been caught, there’s no telling what kind of ripple effect she could’ve had on others' lives.
Shooting Due to Lack of Bacon (2015)
Mindless violence occurs every day, and this is just one of many examples. It all began when a woman, Shaneka Torres, ordered a bacon cheeseburger. However, when she received it, she soon realized it was missing the pork product. She returned to the restaurant to have a new one made– and when this one was also missing bacon, she snapped. A verbal fight escalated the situation, causing her to reach for her gun shortly afterward. In the heat of the moment, she pulled the trigger – and thankfully missed her target. While no one was injured by the stray bullet, she was still arrested. All in all, her split second of uncontrolled emotions resulted in several years behind bars – and a ban from McDonald’s as well.
McDonald’s Massacre (1984)
Some events are so violent that they become completely unfathomable. Nothing exemplifies this more than the 1984 mass shooting of McDonald’s, wherein James Huberty walked inside intending to murder every last person inside. He used multiple weapons to open fire on employees and customers alike, showing no mercy to anyone inside. His rampage was extended due to the police mistakenly being sent to the wrong store, giving him several extra minutes alone with his victims. By the time they finally arrived, he’d already begun firing at anyone who dared come close to the restaurant. It wasn’t until he was finally taken out that the horror finally ended, with a death toll of over 20 and nearly just as many injured.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen at a McDonald’s? Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the wildest and most chaotic events to have ever taken place inside the Golden Arches.
Child Steals Car to Go to McDonald’s (2017)
Modern problems require modern solutions. After getting a hankering for fast food, an eight-year-old decided he would treat himself and his sister to a meal at McDonald’s. How did he accomplish this? By going full “Grand Theft Auto” and stealing his parents' car to make the trip. Although he proved more adept than some adults by following traffic rules, witnesses still rightfully called the situation to the local police. Even though nothing had happened, had it gone completely unnoticed, there’s no telling what– or who– he could’ve struck. Luckily for him, no charges were pressed and he got the burger he was craving – but we can’t promise that good fortune continued after he got home.
Man Brings Dead Raccoon Inside (2019)
We’re not lovin’ this. It’s bad enough seeing a live animal in a restaurant. That pales in comparison to the alternative. In 2019, a San Francisco location made headlines after an unhoused man brought a deceased raccoon inside and placed it on the table. Another customer immediately began to film, capturing both the man’s confusion and other patrons tracking the animal’s blood around the eatery. The disgusting incident was immediately handled, with the building closing for a few hours until it could be properly disinfected, and the man being evaluated for mental health issues. Even though it was quickly dealt with, the incident still lives on today thanks to that video. It seems it won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Brawl Over Plastic Straws (2018)
While most go out of their way to avoid a fight, others seemingly look for reasons to start swinging. For one Floridian customer in 2018, that reason was not automatically being given a straw, thanks to a new rule put in place days beforehand. Rather than kindly ask for one, he immediately confronted the cashier – and quickly escalated the situation by attempting to grab her. Luckily, she was able to stand her ground and get several hits in. That still didn’t stop him from demanding she be fired and assaulting another employee as he left the store. He even had the gall to call the police on her – ultimately leading to his own arrest.
McDonald’s Monopoly Scam (2001)
What started as a simple way to increase sales and offer prizes to patrons quickly spiraled into a global phenomenon. However, it almost all came crashing down in the early 2000s, thanks to an internal mistake that was heavily exploited. Jerome P. Jacobson – the chief of security for the company partnering with McDonald’s for the sweepstakes – began stealing the highest-earning game pieces himself, before distributing them to various members of the Italian-American mafia. He kept up the ruse throughout the 1990s, helping his accomplices steal over $24 million before he was finally found out. Dozens of people were indicted as a result, with the ringleader himself serving three years behind bars at a federal prison.
Topless Woman Goes on Rampage (2014)
Everybody has bad days from time to time. While others deal with those feelings by journaling or going for a walk, others opt for more destructive ways of coping. It all started when an employee refused a woman’s sexual advances in the parking lot – leading her to snap. The security cameras inside the eatery caught every second of her rampage, including her tipping machines over and even eating ice cream straight out of the dispenser. Even when officers arrived on the scene, she still didn’t back down. She proceeded to harass them even as they were arresting her, leading to additional charges. It was eventually revealed that she had been suffering a mental health crisis – and supposedly didn’t remember a single thing.
Szechuan Sauce Riots (2017)
Some trends blow up larger than anyone could’ve ever anticipated. By the time season three of “Rick and Morty” began, it had already built a large following of devoted fans. So, when it was revealed that a product mentioned by one of the titular characters would be making a limited-time comeback, excitement was initially high. Szechuan sauce – which was initially released in 1998 to promote “Mulan” – made its return in 2017 and immediately became a hit. However, the excitement quickly got out of hand, with hundreds of people arriving at certain locations, and police officers having to come keep the peace after they ran out. It was a dual lesson in mob mentality and the importance of having enough supply to meet the demand.
Mass McDonald’s Brawl (2016)
When going out to grab a bite to eat, witnessing a fight or violence of any kind is the last thing someone wants to deal with. Those going to the McDonald’s in Barking, London could’ve never anticipated they would be subjected to the largest brawl in the area since 2011. While it’s unknown exactly how the altercation began, it quickly grew in size, with 200 people being involved in total. Several weapons were also used, ranging from corrosive chemicals to baseball bats covered in nails. When the smoke finally cleared, 21 people had been arrested, and three officers had been injured. All in all, the brutal, chaotic fight lasted over six hours before finally coming to an end.
Heroin Happy Meals (2014)
Walter White has nothing on her. In 2014, Shantia Dennis decided to combine her day job with her underground one – by including doses of heroin in certain Happy Meals. She used the drive-thru window as her center of operations, where customers would use a code phrase to indicate they wanted a different kind of treat with their meal. When undercover officers eventually bought from her, they were given a box with ten bags inside – more than enough evidence to make their arrest. Another fifty were found while she was being apprehended. When all was said and done, she was hit with five separate criminal charges. Had she not been caught, there’s no telling what kind of ripple effect she could’ve had on others' lives.
Shooting Due to Lack of Bacon (2015)
Mindless violence occurs every day, and this is just one of many examples. It all began when a woman, Shaneka Torres, ordered a bacon cheeseburger. However, when she received it, she soon realized it was missing the pork product. She returned to the restaurant to have a new one made– and when this one was also missing bacon, she snapped. A verbal fight escalated the situation, causing her to reach for her gun shortly afterward. In the heat of the moment, she pulled the trigger – and thankfully missed her target. While no one was injured by the stray bullet, she was still arrested. All in all, her split second of uncontrolled emotions resulted in several years behind bars – and a ban from McDonald’s as well.
McDonald’s Massacre (1984)
Some events are so violent that they become completely unfathomable. Nothing exemplifies this more than the 1984 mass shooting of McDonald’s, wherein James Huberty walked inside intending to murder every last person inside. He used multiple weapons to open fire on employees and customers alike, showing no mercy to anyone inside. His rampage was extended due to the police mistakenly being sent to the wrong store, giving him several extra minutes alone with his victims. By the time they finally arrived, he’d already begun firing at anyone who dared come close to the restaurant. It wasn’t until he was finally taken out that the horror finally ended, with a death toll of over 20 and nearly just as many injured.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen at a McDonald’s? Let us know in the comments below!
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