Manager and Employees’ Mom Face Felonies After Violent Altercation Over Trash Duty
A heated argument over taking out the trash at a Belleville McDonald’s on Wednesday afternoon tragically escalated into a shooting, resulting in serious charges for both the restaurant manager and a customer.
The incident, which saw a firearm discharged inside the bustling establishment.
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The chaos unfolded around 4:45 p.m. at the McDonald’s located at 125 South Belt East. According to Belleville Police, the initial dispute began when manager Kathy M. Bledsoe, 44, asked a juvenile employee to take out the trash. When the juvenile refused, Bledsoe instructed her to clock out and go home.
The situation rapidly deteriorated when the juvenile contacted her mother, Tynika R. McKinzie, 35, who arrived at the restaurant with another juvenile female. A verbal altercation quickly erupted in the lobby. The dispute took a dangerous turn when McKinzie and her juvenile daughter allegedly bypassed the front counter, proceeding approximately 75 feet into the office area.
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Inside the office, police say McKinzie physically assaulted Bledsoe, striking her in the face and head. During the violent encounter, Bledsoe reportedly produced a handgun and fired a single shot, striking McKinzie in the leg.
Belleville Police officers, who were initially responding to a disturbance call, arrived to find a chaotic scene. Bledsoe was immediately taken into custody at the restaurant, while McKinzie was transported for medical treatment for her gunshot wound. McKinzie is not currently in police custody.
Following a thorough investigation, Belleville Detectives presented their findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office. On Thursday, July 17, charges were formally filed against both individuals involved.
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Kathy M. Bledsoe, 44, of Belleville, has been charged with one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class 4 Felony. She remains in the custody of the Belleville Police Department and is awaiting transfer to the St. Clair County Jail, pending a detention hearing and further court proceedings.
Tynika R. McKinzie, 35, of Belleville, faces one count of Aggravated Battery, a Class 3 Felony, and one count of Mob Action, a Class 4 Felony.
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