Father Fatally Shoots Masked Gunman Who Opened Fire At McDonald's

The dad and his two sons were leaving the restaurant in Birmingham on Saturday when a masked man walked in and began shooting.

October 29, 2018

Main photo: McDonalds in Birmingham [CBS 42 (screenshot)]

Main photo: McDonalds in Birmingham [CBS 42 (screenshot)]

By: Catherine Townsend

A father in Alabama fatally shot a gunman who opened fire inside a McDonald’s on Saturday, according to police.

The father and his sons were leaving the restaurant in Birmingham at around 10:45 p.m. when a masked man walked in and began shooting, WBRC reported.

The father returned fire during the shootout and hit the suspect, who later died from his injuries.

West Precinct Officers responded to reports that multiple people had been shot.

Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton told AL.com that it appeared that the shooting was justified.

Employees at the fast food restaurant praised the father.

“He’s my hero, because I can only imagine how it would’ve went if he wasn’t armed. We might not be here," McDonald's employee Markus Washington told WBRC.

Washington said he was preparing burgers when the shooting started.

All we hear is different gunfire, so in my mind, I’m imagining everybody is dead,” he said.

"Wrapping my head around it all, I was just wishing someone would come wake me up from this nightmare."

Washington said that he hid with other employees in a walk-in freezer.

Police said the father and one of his children sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting, but have stated that the father is not currently facing charges.

The investigation continues.

Read more: WBRC

Next Up

True Crime News Roundup: Father Fatally Shoots Ex-Football Player Son During Dog Bite Argument

Plus: The remains of Wisconsin mother Ashley Carlson were found in Minnesota; An arrest has been made in connection to the deadly home invasion of music legend Clarence Avant’s California home; and a Las Vegas college student died from injuries he sustained during a “school-sanctioned amateur fight.”

Man Fatally Shoots Brother Shortly After Release From Prison For Previous Attack

A 29-year-old Florida man free on parole is now facing murder charges after killing his 19-year-old brother, according to police.

French Woman Who Fatally Shot Abusive Husband Set Free After Surprise Sentence

Valérie Bacot says she feels ‘emptied mentally and physically’ now that her trial and decades-long ordeal is over.

Family Demands Justice After Deputy Fatally Shoots Unarmed Teenager During Routine Traffic Stop

‘This is happening all across the country and this is happening too close to home for us,’ says the uncle of Hunter Brittain.

San Antonio Police Officer Fired And Charged After Shooting Teen In McDonald’s Parking Lot

On Oct. 2, 2022, Erik Cantu, 17, was eating in his car when former police officer James Brennand ordered him to get out. When Cantu tried to drive away, Brennand shot him multiple times.

True Crime News Roundup: Police Identify Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Newlyweds In Utah

Plus: Arizona man accused of killing woman on bus; alleged killer in South Carolina dies while burying his victim; Iowa teens who murdered their Spanish teacher to be tried as adults; autopsy results pending in deaths of three American tourists in the Bahamas

Search Continues For Father and Son Who Vanished During 2018 Sailing Trip

If you have any information about the case involving Adagio Talifero or Geraldo Talifero, please contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children directly: 800-THE-LOST

Father Who Abducted Son Suspected Of Traveling The World To Avoid Capture

Last sighting of the father and son was in October 2009 in a hospital in Melaka, Ayer Keroh, Malaysia.

Boys, Ages 6 And 8, Steer SUV To Safety After Father Is Fatally Shot While Driving

Police recently released photos of a vehicle believed to be involved in the deadly shooting.

Kansas City Homeowner Charged In Shooting Of Teen Who Accidentally Went To Wrong House

Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager, was shot twice after ringing the wrong doorbell while trying to pick up his younger siblings. Now, the white homeowner, Andrew Lester, will face felony charges.