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Man in critical condition after being shot at McDonald's in Orange Thursday night, employee recounts incident

The employee wants to remain anonymous for their safety

ORANGE, Texas — Police are investigating after a man was left critically injured following a shooting at McDonald's in Orange. 

On Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at around 7:18 p.m., Orange Police were sent to McDonald's on N. 16th St. in reference to a shooting.

When they got there, they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Orange Police Department.

The victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

His name has not been released at this time.

According to an employee working the cash register at the time said two men walked in cracking jokes and asked for an employee by name. 

Once the employee, who was cooking in the back, made eye contact with the two men, entered the dining area and began arguing with the guys near the front door. 

The witness says his coworker then pulled a gun and fired. 

"It feels kind of destroying cause I feel like he brought it because he knew something was gonna happen sooner or later. So it was just like he's putting everybody's life at risk," the witness said. 

The employee says he heard about 7 shots ring out. 

They say they saw that one of the two guys were armed but cannot confirm if they shot back at his coworker. 

The witness along with their coworkers ran to the nearby business for safety. 

"I was more scared that somebody got shot than about my life. Because the main thing I was focusing on was getting out of there. And it was pretty scary you know. I've never been in that situation before. Especially being so close to that," they said. 

Orange Police confirmed that there was one victim in the shooting that was found in a nearby neighborhood. 

"You know I saw little kids in the store crying. And you know it was heartbreaking,"  the witness said. 

This local McDonald's regular is surprised to hear about the shooting. 

"Very shocked but hey you never know what crimes gonna be at these days," A McDonald's regular said. 

Orange Police say one victim is currently in critical condition at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. 

The employee says they go to school with the injured victim and hopes he pulls through. 

This incident is being investigated by the City of Orange Criminal Investigation Unit, according to the release. 

From an Orange Police Department news release:

On November 30th, 2023, at about 7:18 PM, the City of Orange Police Department was dispatched to McDonald’s, 1710 16th Street, in reference to a shooting. During the officers’ initial investigation, a black male was located with several gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local emergency room and is currently listed in critical condition. The name of this individual will not be released at this time. This incident is being investigated by the City of Orange Criminal Investigation Unit.

Credit: E.J. Williams

This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.

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