Muskego Taco Bell gun charge; man had expired CCW permit: complaint
Clarence James
MUSKEGO, Wis. - A 48-year-old Milwaukee man is accused of carrying a concealed weapon during an altercation at a Muskego Taco Bell on Monday, March 2. The accused is Clarence James.
Incident at Muskego Taco Bell
What we know:
According to the criminal complaint, Muskego police were dispatched on Monday, March 2, to the Taco Bell location on Janesville Road, for a physical altercation that was taking place. As officers were headed to the restaurant, dispatch mentioned that "shots were fired outside, into the air," the complaint says.
Investigation at Muskego Taco Bell
When officers arrived on the scene, they took the defendant, Clarence James, into custody. The court filing says he had "possession of a handgun, a 9mm, and witnesses reported that two other subjects...who were determined to be involved in the altercation, had fled the scene in a Jeep, with Illinois registration."
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A detective learned "an altercation had taken place involving the defendant and two customers who ordered food through the drive-thru," the complaint says. One of the customers was upset with the order and went into the Taco Bell to confront employees. At one point, that man "made an attempt to get behind the counter where the employees were situated," the complaint says. A woman who had been with that first customer also came into the restaurant, and also tried to get behind the counter, the court filing indicates.
Investigation at Muskego Taco Bell
The complaint says while the two individuals were trying to get behind the counter, the man pushed past the defendant, "shoving him back several feet," the complaint says. That is when the court filing says the defendant "draws a handgun from the right side of this waistline and later points the firearm at the man with his arm extended."
What they're saying:
When officers spoke with the defendant about what happened, he "admitted to having a gun on him in the left front pocket of his pants and indicated that he had a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit," the complaint says.
When Muskego dispatch checked on the status of the defendant's CCW, it was determined his permit expired on Dec. 13, 2025. It was not valid on the date of this incident, March 2.
Court appearance
What's next:
James made his initial appearance in Waukesha County court on Wednesday, March 4. A not guilty plea was entered by the court – and a new hearing was scheduled for April 13.
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A signature bond of $750 was set for James.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, the criminal complaint associated with this case, and previous FOX6 News coverage.