Burger King Assaults

David Fowler, 23, allegedly assaulted four employees at the Burger King restaurant in the 3100 block of Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, Del., on the night of June 30.

Fowler, of Lancaster, Pa., apparently argued with the cashier at the drive-through window at 6:15 p.m., about how much he was charged for his meal and the lack of a toy.

The cashier refused to give him the toy, from the movie “Chicken Run,” due to the fact that there were no children with him at the time.

The father of two then parked his vehicle and went into the restaurant shouting that he wanted the toy.

He proceeded to punch two male employees and throw a third over the counter. Fowler also broke a store shelf, which upon collapse, almost hit a small child. The many parents and children dining at the time, fled the scuffle.

Assistant District Attorney Colleen McGinnis said, “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.”

As a result of his behavior, Fowler has been charged with three counts of assault, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct. He has no criminal record.

Brian Bauer, public defender and Fowler’s attorney, said Fowler wanted the toy for his young daughter. The fact that he couldn’t get it enraged him.

Both Bauer and McGinnis confirm that they are currently working on a plea bargain. Fowler would plea guilty to two of the three assaults, since it is unclear if the third employee was punched or pushed. He would also agree to pay for the damage to the restaurant and perform community service for the disorderly conduct charge.

Fowler is currently at the New Castle County Detention Center. He failed to post $10,000 bail following his June 30 arraignment.

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

- Selina Poiesz