SAVANNAH, Ga. — Joshua McGregor was working at a Savannah-area McDonald's when he walked outside, lit a piece of cardboard on fire and threw it in a dumpster filled with flammable objects, federal prosecutors say.
Why? They say McGregor "was frustrated because the restaurant was very busy."
“Intentionally setting a fire in an effort to shut down or damage someone else’s property is inexcusable,” U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg said in the press release. “Joshua McGregor will have substantial time to ponder his post-prison employment options.”
McGregor was sentenced to five years in federal prison on July 31 after pleading guilty to arson.
The fire happened back in April 2023 and "became so intense" that drive-thru customers had to back out through the parking lot, the press release said.
The restaurant was temporarily shuttered and as the fire was being put out.
They say McGregor filmed the fire on his phone, and he was later identified as the person who started the fire, the press release said.
When he threw the flaming piece of cardboard into the fire, prosecutors say McGregor waited until he could confirm the fire was started before walking away and returning to work.
He was eventually arrested by the Savannah Police Department, and he pleaded guilty to the federal arson charge in May.
