A local woman was taken into custody following a dispute at a McDonald’s drive-thru on June 29, 2026, where she allegedly threatened another motorist and displayed a handgun.

According to a report from the Crossville Police Department filed by Officer N. Ramson, officers responded to the restaurant after receiving a report that a female driver in a blue Kia had brandished a firearm and made threats.

The victim told police that the suspect, Cara Katherine Waters, attempted to cut in front of her vehicle to block her from advancing to the next window. During the subsequent verbal altercation, the victim stated that Waters used threatening language and intentionally lifted a holstered handgun from the vehicle’s center console to intimidate her. The victim, who had her child seated in the rear of the vehicle, reported that she feared for her safety and chose not to escalate the situation further.

Waters admitted to law enforcement that she displayed the firearm during the confrontation. She explained that she was running late for work, believed the other driver had blocked her path unnecessarily at the double drive-thru, and wanted to let her know she was armed. Waters then backed out of the line, drove around the victim’s vehicle, and re-entered the drive-thru.

Upon arriving, officers made contact with Waters, who directed them to the firearm in the center console. The weapon was secured, queried through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and entered into evidence.

Based on statements and Waters’ admission, officers established probable cause for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Waters was arrested without incident and transported to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Intake Division for booking.