Drive-Thru Slap Over Delays
New York Woman Accused of Slapping Man in McDonald's Drive-Thru Over Slow Food Service
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A New York woman allegedly slapped a stranger in a McDonald's drive-thru because he was taking too long to get his food. The incident happened at 12:43 a.m. on June 20 at the McDonald's on 118 East Main Street in Gouverneur, New York, according to Fox Carolina.
Constance L. Cota, 39, was a passenger in the car behind the victim. Police say she got out of her vehicle and slapped the male driver in front of her across the face. McDonald's management called the police. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and arrested Cota four days later, according to WBTV.
Cota Arrested Four Days After the Slap
The Gouverneur Police Department responded to the late-night call, spoke with witnesses, and pulled surveillance footage from inside the restaurant. The investigation took four days. On June 24 at 5:14 p.m., officers located and arrested Cota, according to KCTV5.
Cota was charged with second-degree harassment. In New York State, that charge covers physical contact — like striking or shoving someone — meant to harass or annoy them. It is classified as a violation, not a criminal misdemeanor. She was released on an appearance ticket and is expected to face Gouverneur Town Court.
Fast-Food Drive-Thrus Are Hotbeds for Violent Confrontations
This kind of outburst is not unusual at fast-food locations. A study by the Service Employees International Union found at least 77,000 violent or threatening incidents at California fast-food restaurants between 2017 and 2020. The FBI ranks restaurants and fast-food spots as the eighth most common location for violent crimes in the United States, according to WNEM.
This is not even the first assault at this specific Gouverneur McDonald's. In May 2018, two women were arrested at the same 118 East Main Street location after throwing soda at a woman sitting with two young children and getting into a physical fight with a male family member. Those charges included disorderly conduct and child endangerment, according to WSMV.
Why a Small Wait Can Trigger a Big Reaction
Mental health professionals say drive-thru rage is more than bad manners. Licensed therapist Matthew Bernarda told KALB that during these moments, "your brain does not detect this as a minor inconvenience, but as a serious threat." He called it "a complex psychological event that can escalate in a matter of seconds."
The timing of this incident adds another factor. The altercation happened at 12:43 a.m. — peak hours for late-night drive-thru traffic. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about 96% of American drivers say they have witnessed or taken part in some form of road rage or aggressive driving in the past year, according to WCAX.
Police Urge Calm as Franchise Security Comes Into Focus
Law enforcement used this case to send a broader message. Authorities urged the public to "remain calm during stressful situations and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence," according to KAIT8. Cota could face court-ordered anger management, a fine, or community service. A repeat offense could bring heavier misdemeanor-level assault charges.
The case is also pushing fast-food operators to rethink security. Many franchises are now installing high-definition external cameras, license-plate readers, and panic buttons to protect both staff and customers. In this case, it was the restaurant's own surveillance footage that made the arrest possible, according to WDAM.
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