Covington, Ga. – A man ran over three toddlers and two adults with his car in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant today, police said, and one witness described him as having a smile on his face.
Lanny Barnes, 46, was in custody and charges against him were pending.
“All indications are that he intentionally hit them,” Assistant Police Chief Almond Turner said.
The children – ages 2 to 4 – were airlifted to a hospital in Atlanta and were in critical condition, Turner said. The two women were taken to a Covington hospital; one was in critical condition and the other was stable, he said.
Barnes’ mother, Mary, told The Associated Press her son has battled mental illness.
“He’s been suffering with depression for years,” she said, her voice shaking after being told by a reporter what happened. “Lord have mercy.” Ryan Boldman-Snyder, 20, an employee at the McDonald’s restaurant, was on a break outside when he heard screaming, and said Barnes was “smiling the whole time.” “He came with the intent to hurt somebody,” Boldman-Snyder said.
Witnesses tried to pull Barnes out of his car in the restaurant parking lot. Police officers finally pulled him out of the car from the passenger-side front door, Boldman-Snyder said.
McDonald’s area franchise manager Bill Hall said the company was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“Our prayers are with the victims, the children, and their families. We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they investigate,” Hall said.
Hall said the restaurant, about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta, would remain closed for the rest of the day and counseling was being provided for employees.
