Coral Springs Dunkin Donuts employee arrested after dispute over missing bacon on breakfast order
Coral Springs, Florida – What began as a simple breakfast order at a Coral Springs Dunkin’ Donuts quickly escalated into chaos, culminating in the arrest of an employee after he allegedly brandished a pocketknife and threatened two drive-through customers.
The incident occurred on December 7 at the Dunkin’ Donuts location at 4685 N. State Road 7. Elijah Joseph Muller, 21, of West Boca Raton, was taken into custody following the altercation. Police charged Muller with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of criminal mischief, according to the official police report.
The sequence of events began innocuously enough. A couple on their way to work stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts to order breakfast sandwiches on a croissant along with two hash browns. Upon receiving their food, the man realized he had forgotten to request bacon on the sandwiches. He alerted the drive-through clerk, who explained that the additional items would require an extra charge. The customer agreed, and the clerk charged his card.
However, the order still arrived incorrectly, containing only one sandwich and the two hash browns. The man again pointed out the mistake, and the clerk instructed him to pull forward so they could finalize the order. Once again, the customer’s card was charged for the missing items. When he requested the receipts from all transactions, Muller became involved.
According to the report, Muller first handed the man only one receipt. When the customer asked for the remaining receipts, Muller returned inside the restaurant. At this point, another employee came outside and engaged in an argument with the customer, followed by the manager joining in.
Muller then returned to the scene, joining the heated discussion. He allegedly directed the following words at the customer: “get out of the car [expletive].” He then added, “You’re not going to talk to my girl like that.” During the confrontation, Muller reportedly kicked the customer’s vehicle, causing an estimated $500 in damage to the bumper.
The situation escalated further as the customer attempted to leave. According to the police report, Muller continued arguing through the vehicle’s open window. The customer slowed down, and that’s when Muller allegedly took out a pocketknife. He unfolded it and repeatedly said, “What’s good,” according to authorities. Alarmed, the customer sped away and immediately called the police.
When officers arrived at the Dunkin’ Donuts, Muller admitted to brandishing the pocketknife and claimed the manager had provided it to him. He told police that he had pulled the knife out “in the heat of the moment” and described his actions as a mistake. He justified his conduct by saying he acted in defense of his girlfriend.
“You’re not going to talk to my girl like that,” he reportedly told the customer during the confrontation.
Muller was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. He posted a $7,000 bond and was subsequently released, according to court records.
The bizarre series of events highlights how quickly a minor disagreement over a food order can spiral into a dangerous situation. Police noted that no other injuries were reported, but the incident underscores the importance of maintaining composure during disputes and following proper channels to resolve conflicts.
Dunkin’ Donuts did not immediately release a statement regarding the incident. However, police confirmed that multiple employees and the manager were involved in the interactions with the customer before the situation escalated.
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of how workplace conflicts, even those as trivial as a missing ingredient on a breakfast sandwich, can lead to serious legal consequences. Officers involved in the case emphasized that the display of a weapon, even in a moment of anger, carries severe ramifications under Florida law.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the drive-through to fully understand the sequence of events and the behavior of those involved. Court proceedings for Muller are expected to move forward in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, local residents expressed shock over the incident. Many noted that while mistakes happen in fast-food establishments, they rarely escalate to threats with weapons. “It’s crazy to think something as small as missing bacon could lead to this,” said one Coral Springs resident who requested anonymity. “Everyone needs to calm down and handle things like adults.”
In the end, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about how quickly tempers can flare in everyday situations and the importance of safety and restraint, especially when emotions run high. Authorities continue to remind the public that threatening behavior or brandishing weapons is never acceptable, no matter the provocation.
