Customers’ cars parked outside of McDonald’s at Alafaya on Tuesday night. Police were stationed outside on Sunday after the robbery.
Paige Bright
A suspect is in custody on charges of robbery in the second degree and battery in the first degree after an altercation broke out at the McDonald’s on Alafaya Trail near UCF’s campus Sunday evening.
The suspect, Jalen Minzey, jumped over the counter at the McDonald’s, throwing food, drinks and equipment at employees and guests, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.
Minzey impersonated a delivery driver while waiting for his order to be completed. After his order was completed and handed to him, he requested a tote of cookies that he did not pay for from Connor Moga, an employee at McDonald’s, according to the affidavit.
After being told he would receive the cookies only if he purchased them, Minzey threatened to come behind the counter and prepare the cookies himself. Minzey, after being told that the cops would be called if he did so, came behind the counter, sweeping Moga’s leg out from underneath him and heading into the kitchen, according to the affidavit.
Minzey began throwing food and condiments at a guest and four staff members as they tried to de-escalate the situation and remove Minzey from the McDonald’s location. The affidavit states that Minzey shoved past staff and a guest at the restaurant, leaving with $35.14 worth of food.
Minzey then fled from the McDonald’s to the neighboring apartment complex, Plaza at University. Officers were dispatched to the scene and found where Minzey had run after finding McDonald’s trash near the apartments.
People standing in the McDonald’s at Alafaya Trail on Tuesday night waiting for their orders. The altercation occurred between the victims and the suspect on Sunday.
Paige Bright
As deputies were outside of the apartment where they suspected Minzey was hiding, an unidentified man arrived, saying that he lived at the residence and had just gotten back from a trip. Deputies began calling for Minzey to come out, and, after a while, he did. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the apartment and found a McDonald’s bag and the receipt for Minzey’s order.
Minzey was detained on the scene and taken to the Orange County Booking and Receiving Center, according to the affidavit.
Currently, Minzey is facing charges for battery in the first degree to four victims and robbery in the second degree to one victim, according to the affidavit. Minzey’s bond is currently set at $11,000, according to an initial court hearing in his case.
The affidavit can be requested at the Orange County Court of Clerks website.