Tauranga McDonald’s worker allegedly taken hostage by man who claimed he had gun; kidnap charge laid

Staff at a branch of McDonald’s in Greerton were shaken last night after a staff member was allegedly taken from the restaurant by a man who said he had a gun.

Police confirmed they were called to the fast-food restaurant on Cameron Rd around 7.45pm after a man entered the restaurant making threats and claiming he had a firearm.

A bystander, who did not want to be named, said a man came out of the restaurant holding onto a young male staff member and pressing something against his neck.

A police spokesperson said officers arrived as the man walked out of the restaurant holding an object against the person’s neck.

“The man then let the person go and was taken into custody without incident,” police said.

“The item held to the person’s neck was a cellphone and the man did not have a firearm.

“The person held hostage was understandably shaken up by the incident but was not injured.”

The spokesperson said a 29-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping.

The bystander said staff and customers were visibly upset and the branch closed soon after.

“I really hope they give the staff there a lot of support because it was a very scary situation for everyone involved,” they said.

“There are a lot of young people working there and they should feel safe at work.”

Head of communications at McDonald’s, Simon Kenny, said the company was assisting staff at the Greerton branch.

“Staff have been offered support via our third-party employee-assistance experts.”

A 29-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court today.

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