Man Nabbed at Binghamton McDonald’s Charged in Shooting

A man who was taken into custody by police at a Binghamton McDonald's drive-thru faces charges in connection with a shooting in the Albany area.

Authorities said 22-year-old Rodney L. Paterson of Albany fled to Broome County with his girlfriend after a Monday incident at an apartment complex in Watervliet.

Investigators said Paterson had ties to the Binghamton area. They alerted Southern Tier police agencies to be on the lookout for a sport utility vehicle registered to his girlfriend.

The plate triggered hits on license plate readers in Binghamton Wednesday afternoon.

Broome County sheriff's deputies spotted the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer near Main and Jarvis streets around 3:30 p.m.

Deputies were assisted by Binghamton police and state police in surrounding the vehicle at gunpoint at the drive-thru of the McDonald's restaurant at 157 Main Street.

The McDonald's was locked down for a few minutes until the occupants got out of the SUV and were taken into custody.

Watervliet police believe Paterson fired a gun that resulted in a bullet winding up in a child's bedroom.

Paterson has been charged with reckless endangerment and the endangering the welfare of a child. He also faces weapon-related counts.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Police search suspect's vehicle at Binghamton McDonald's on June 10, 2026.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.