16-year-old in Fond du Lac Police custody for pulling gun on McDonalds employee Tuesday

On March 17, 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Fond du Lac Police Officers responded to a report of a subject displaying a firearm at McDonalds at 929 E. Johnson Street.

Initial information indicated a customer in the drive-thru had pointed what appeared to be a firearm at an employee before leaving the area westbound. The business immediately took protective measures by securing the building.

As Fond du Lac Police Officers began investigating, witnesses provided critical information regarding the individuals involved. It was reported that the subjects had been inside the business prior to the incident, asking about an employee and behaving in a manner that raised concern. A witness, familiar with one of the individuals from prior contacts, identified the suspect and shared concerns about prior violent behavior and access to weapons.

Officers quickly identified the individuals as a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, both from Fond du Lac, and located the associated vehicle on N. Boardman Street. Officers maintained surveillance while continuing the investigation.

During this time, the suspect sent threatening messages to the victim, escalating the seriousness of the situation.

With the assistance of additional resources, including the Fond du Lac Police Bear Cat armored rescue vehicle, Officers safely conducted a high-risk traffic stop in the area of Portage Street and Butler Street. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.

The 16-year-old suspect is being held at the Fond du Lac County Secure Detention Center on multiple charges, including serious offenses related to endangering safety and disorderly conduct, along with several ordinance violations. The 17-year-old was released to a parent and is being referred for charges related to their involvement in the incident.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers obtained consent to search the residence associated with the suspect, where two realistic BB guns were recovered.  One of the BB guns was equipped with a tactical light/laser.

While these items were later determined to be BB guns, they are designed to closely resemble real firearms. In situations like this, there is no practical way for victims, witnesses, or responding officers to distinguish between a real firearm and a replica in the moment. The fear experienced by those involved, and the potential for a tragic outcome, is very real. The presence of a replica firearm does not lessen the seriousness of this incident.

This situation highlights how quickly a threatening encounter can escalate and the very real impact it has on victims, employees, and the broader community. We are grateful for the quick actions of the business staff, the cooperation of witnesses, and the coordinated response from our Officers to bring this situation to a safe resolution.