A McDonald’s employee, aged 34, has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to setting a dumpster on fire outside the fast-food restaurant, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Joshua Daryl McGregor, in April 2023, reportedly acted out of frustration due to the high volume of customers at the Savannah, Georgia, McDonald’s where he was employed. He ignited a piece of cardboard and tossed it into a large trash bin filled with more cardboard and other combustible materials.
The fire escalated to such an extent that patrons were forced to abandon the drive-thru, according to prosecutors. The establishment had to temporarily shut down while the Savannah Fire Department extinguished the flames.
Surveillance footage captured McGregor in the act. He was seen ensuring the fire was well-lit and even recorded a video with his cell phone. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident.
McGregor was apprehended by the Savannah Police Department and in May, he confessed to the charge of arson in U.S. District Court.
Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, condemned McGregor’s actions in a statement. She said, “Deliberately starting a fire to damage or shut down someone else’s property is indefensible. Joshua McGregor will have ample time to contemplate his employment prospects after prison.”
Court documents reveal that McGregor’s lawyers were contemplating an insanity defense prior to the plea, and the court had expressed doubts about his mental competency. McGregor was scheduled for a mental evaluation before he agreed to the plea deal.
Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Atlanta Field Division, emphasized the severity of arson in a statement. He said, “Arson is an extremely violent crime that not only destroys property but also puts firefighters, first responders, and the general public in significant danger.”
In addition to his prison term, McGregor is also required to pay over $1,000 in restitution.