Man Assaults Four Employees at Burger King

Amy Breckin
Professor Bishop
Com. 365-001
January 29, 2007

David Fowler, 23, of Lancaster, PA, has been charged with assaulting four employees at the Burger King in the 3100 block of Kirkwood Highway near Route 7 in Wilmington, DE. At about 6:15 p.m. on June 30th, Fowler pulled into the drive-through window of the Burger King and began arguing with the cashier at the window. Fowler was angry about the total cost of his meal and believed that he should receive a complimentary toy from the movie “Chicken Run.” The cashier explained to Fowler, a father of two, but alone at the time of the incident, that the complimentary toys were only given to children in their Burger King Kid’s Meals. This explanation did not satisfy Fowler, however.
David Fowler then parked his car, walked into the Burger King, and began shouting that he wanted the “Chicken Run” toy. When Burger King employees did not cooperate with his demands, Fowler went into a rage, punching two male employees and throwing a third over a counter. Fowler then broke a store shelf causing it to collapse and almost striking a small child. At this time, Burger King was crowded with children and families, who fled the scene during the ruckus.
Fowler, who has no criminal record, is charged with three counts of assault, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct. Fowler failed to post the $10,000 bail following his June 30th arraignment and is currently at the New Castle County Detention Center.
Assistant District Attorney Colleen McGinnis has given her thoughts on this strange chain of events regarding a “Chicken Run” toy. She says, “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.” Brian Bauer, public defender assigned by the county to represent David Fowler in this case, also weighed in on this situation. He explains, “He [Fowler] wanted the toy for his young 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?”
Attorney Brian Bauer explained that he is working with Assistant District Attorney McGinnis on a plea bargain in which Fowler would plead guilty to two of the assaults because it is not exactly clear if one employee was punched or pushed, and Fowler would agree to pay for the damage to the Burger King. Fowler would also be required to perform community service for the disorderly conduct charge. Assistant District Attorney McGinnis confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, but did not comment on what she and Brian Bauer have discussed. A preliminary hearing in this case is scheduled for July 18th at 10 a.m. with Judge Jane Dorton presiding.