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

Neighbor Shooting Thermal Scope Video Helps Solve Murder Of Texas Choir Director

Kathy Blair was found dead in her bed days before an elderly couple was killed in eerily similar circumstances.

West Mesa Murders: Serial Killer Who Slayed, Buried 11 Victims Remains Unidentified

“We need new information on this case, that is what is going to lead to it getting solved,” the city’s mayor says of whoever killed the girls and women.

Texas Authorities Believe Man Who Killed High School Cheerleader Was Planning Serial Murders

Tristan Dilley, 15, helped rescue her suspected killer during Hurricane Harvey after seeing his post for help on Facebook.

Crime History: The "Intensely Ordinary" BTK Killer Who Got Away With Murder For 30 Years

Dennis Lynn Rader murdered at least ten people in Wichita and Park City, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991.

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.”

Fatal Parking Lot Shooting May Have Been Love Triangle Murder

Martin Jesus Godinez was last seen driving a 2003 gold Chrysler Town and Country minivan with license plate: 5CKF285. He could be armed and dangerous.

Class Overhears Fatal Shooting Of Wisconsin Student’s Mother During Online Lesson

A teacher called 911 for help after Mario Stokes allegedly murdered his sister following a fight.

Police Hunt Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Popular San Francisco DJ

Hieu Trung Nguyen is wanted for the 2017 murder of a beloved figure in San Francisco’s LGBTQ community.

Tennessee Man Fatally Shoots Prankster Participating In YouTube Video Gone Wrong

The victim wielded a butcher knife as part of a fake robbery, police said

Deadly Dads: 5 Fathers Who Killed Their Own Kids

Give your dad a call this Father’s Day … and give thanks you weren’t born to one of these monsters.