The incident took place Saturday afternoon in a McDonald’s restaurant in Northwest Miami-Dade. Both Devin Gibbs and Ledea Phillips were customers in the fast-food establishment when an altercation developed.
Phillips, 65, yelled to Gibbs that his order was ready. At this point, the younger man became enraged and an argument ensued. Witness Wilder Smith told WSVN News that both men “were talking stupid to each other.” The suspect then purportedly yelled, “I’m going to shoot you now.”
While walking out of the restaurant, Gibbs allegedly fired one shot. The bullet hit Phillips in the left arm and took out a portion of one of the restaurant’s windows.
What happened after that was perhaps more bizarre. Phillips held his injured arm while he continued to eat his meal. Wilder said, “He didn’t care. He took it like a soldier.” While Phillips remained calm and collected, others in McDonald’s panicked, either running out of the restaurant or into the washrooms.
Phillips was eventually taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. But he then refused treatment and left the facility.
Gibbs was later arrested. He has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and shooting into a building.
In the wake of the shooting, the owner of the restaurant issued a statement saying, “Our first priority is always safety of our customers and employees.” The press release goes on to say anyone who wants further information should contact the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The police investigation is continuing.
