Florida teen arrested after threatening to shoot McDonald’s over wrong $5 order

A Polk County teenager was taken into custody after police say he placed threatening calls to a McDonald’s over a botched order — a case that highlights how so‑called “pranks” can quickly become felony matters. Authorities say the 18‑year‑old admitted making the calls and told deputies he was upset about a discounted meal deal.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies identified the suspect as Dayton Schaffer and say he made multiple calls to the north Lakeland restaurant shortly before midnight on June 30. The store manager reported the threat after the caller allegedly warned of a shooting, prompting an immediate police response.

The sheriff’s office posted updates on X, saying Schaffer admitted to placing three phone calls to the McDonald’s location at about 11:30 p.m. Deputies report he told officers the calls were made because the restaurant had messed up his $5 meal deal and later described the episode as a “joke.” The department added that the claim of humor did not mitigate the seriousness of the threat.

• When: Around 11:30 p.m., June 30 (three calls reported).
• Who: 18‑year‑old Dayton Schaffer, arrested by Polk County deputies.
• Allegations: Threats of a shooting made by phone; admission to placing the calls.
• Charges: A charge of a false report concerning the use of a firearm and a charge of misuse of a two‑way communication device.
• Legal stakes: Under Florida law, a second‑degree felony can carry significant prison time (statutory maximums include up to 15 years), while a third‑degree felony carries lower but still serious penalties (statutory maximums include up to 5 years).

Police say the arrest closed the incident without any physical harm, but officials emphasized the broader consequences: threats of mass violence force emergency responses, divert law enforcement resources and can lead to criminal prosecution even when the caller later claims the threat was a joke.

Local prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges and what penalties to seek. The case serves as a reminder that hoax threats — whether made in anger or as a prank — are treated seriously by authorities and can carry long‑term legal consequences.

Polk County’s public posts about the arrest were shared on X; the sheriff’s office did not report any injuries or property damage related to the incident.