BK Toy Scuffle

Nicole Cuilis
COM 665
Criminal Case Hypo

A Lancaster, Pa. man was charged with assaulting four employees of a Wilmington, Del. Burger King on Tuesday. Chris Fowler, 23, gave new meaning to “have it your way” when he started a scuffle over not receiving a toy with his purchased meal.
The incident allegedly began around 6:15 p.m. on June 30, 2006 when Fowler began to argue with the cashier at the restaurant’s drive-threw window about the price of his meal, and their failure to give him a toy from the movie “Chicken Run.” Fowler, a father of two, had intended to give the toy to his daughter. The cashier, however, would not give it to him because he was not a child, and did not have a child with him at that time.
Fowler purportedly became so furious with the situation that he parked his car and entered the Burger King demanding that he receive the toy. He then punched two male employees, and threw a third over the counter. Fowler continued the commotion and broke a store shelf that supposedly almost stuck a nearby child. The families in the restaurant, which included many small children, allegedly fled the scene from fear.
Folwer, who has no previous criminal record, has been charged with three accounts of assault, malicious destruction of property, and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held at the New Castle Detention Center, and has failed to post the $10,000 bail following his arraignment.
Assistant DA Colleen McGinnis has expressed disgust over the case stating, “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, country assigned public defender, Brian Bauer, portrayed the case not so much a social commentary, but as a Fowlers’ overwhelming emotions. Bauer stated, “He wanted the toy for his young daughter. He became enraged when he realized 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?”
According to Bauer, they are working with Mc Ginnis on a plea bargain in which Fowler would plead guilty to two of the assaults. This is because it was supposedly unclear if Fowler merely pushed, and not punched. In turn Fowler would agree to pay for the damages to the restaurant, an perform community service for the disorderly conduct charge.
McGinnis confirmed that the negotiations are indeed ongoing. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 18 at 10 a.m. before Judge Jane Dorton.