Lancaster Man Disrupts Dinner at Local Burger King

By Romilda Perfidio


A Lancaster, PA man is charged with three counts of assault after he attacked several employees and damaged property at the Burger King restaurant in the 3100 block of Kirkwood Highway near Route 7 in Wilmington. David Fowler, 23, became enraged after an argument with the cashier at the drive- through window at around 6:15 p.m. on June 30.

Burger King is offering a toy from the movie “Chicken Run” as part of a meal deal. Fowler, a father of two who was alone at the time, asked for a toy but was denied and told, they were only for children.

Fowler parked his car and went into the restaurant, shouting that he wanted the toy. He punched two employees and threw a third over the counter. During the scuffle, Fowler broke a store shelf, which nearly collapsed and struck a small child. Parents and children ran from the scene.

Fowler is currently at the New Castle County Detention Center when he failed to post $10,000 bail following his June 30 arraignment. He is charged with three counts of assault, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct.

Assistant District Attorney, Colleen McGinnis confirms Fowler has no previous criminal record and negotiations are ongoing between both parties. McGinnis commented on the case with this statement, “All this for a toy? Have we become so obsessed with collecting things that we’ve forgotten how to act? Society shouldn’t tolerate this kind of behavior.”

Fowler’s attorney, Brian Bauer, a public defender assigned by the County states, “He wanted the toy for his daughter. He became enraged when he realized he wouldn’t be able to get it for her. I’m not excusing what he did, but how would you feel if you were in his position?”

Bauer is trying to work out a plea bargain in which Fowler would plead guilty to two of the assaults, agree to pay for the damage to the restaurant and perform community service for the disorderly conduct charge.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Judge Jane Dorton on July 18 at 10 a.m.