Burger King Customer Enraged Over "free" Toy

By Katie Gibson

WILMINGTON, DE – Twenty-three-year-old Lancaster, Pennsylvania resident David Fowler was arrested on three counts of assault on the evening of June 30th for allegedly assaulting three Burger King employees, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct after entering the fast-food restaurant that is located on the 3100 block of Kirkwood Highway, near Route 7 in Wilmington.

According to the police report filed, Fowler pulled up to the drive-through window of the chain restaurant at approximately 6:15pm.

After receiving his order, Fowler argued with the cashier claiming he was over-charged for his meal and proceeded to accuse the Burger King employee of failing to include the promotional toy, which was advertised to come with the meal. The cashier attempted to explain to the customer that the toys were for children only and he was not eligible to receive the toy according to the restaurant’s policy.

Fowler, a father of two, who happened to be in the car by himself at the time of the supposed argument, pulled away from the window and parked his car in the Burger King lot.

Once inside the crowded fast-food establishment, Fowler allegedly began shouting at the store employees and proceeded to punch two of the restaurant workers and threw a third over the order-counter breaking a store shelf.

“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,” said Assistant District Attorney Colleen McGinnis, office of the prosecution.

Brain Bauer, public defender for New Castle County assigned to represent Fowler, was available for comment regarding his client’s actions, “he wanted the toy for his young daughter. He became enraged when he realized he wouldn’t be able to get it for her.” Bauer also mentioned he is working with the District Attorney’s office on a plea bargain in which Fowler would plead guilty on two counts of assault, pay damages to the restaurant for his destruction of property and serve community service for his disorderly conduct. Bauer made clear that his client has no prior criminal record.

Fowler failed to post $10,000 bail after his June 30 arraignment and is being held at the New Castle County Detention Center. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 18 at 10am, before Judge Jane Dorton.