Teen Arrested for Threatening to Shoot Up Florida McDonald's Over $5 Order Mix-Up

An 18-year-old Florida man is in jail after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a McDonald’s in Lakeland.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the threat was because his $5 meal deal order was wrong.

Dayton Schaffer, of Polk County, has been charged with making a false report concerning the use of a firearm and misuse of a two-way communication device.

Both charges are felonies under Florida law.

The incident occurred late on June 30, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s department on X.

Schaffer reportedly made three phone calls to a McDonald’s in north Lakeland.

He allegedly threatened to commit violence over an incorrect order.

The restaurant manager immediately contacted authorities.

The report prompted an investigation that led deputies to Schaffer.

Upon being questioned, Schaffer admitted to making the calls.

However, he allegedly told officers that he was “joking.”

He continued by complaining that he was frustrated that McDonald’s “messed up” his $5 order.

The Sheriff’s Office wasn’t amused.

“He claimed it was a joke — we didn’t get the punchline,” the department wrote in a post on X.

Schaffer was taken into custody and booked.

Under Florida law, making a false report involving a firearm is a second-degree felony, which can carry up to 15 years in prison.

Misuse of a communication device is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, known for his tough stance on crime, has frequently warned that threats, even so-called jokes, are taken seriously and will lead to prosecution.