ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A workplace dispute over lateness and alleged poor performance reportedly escalated into a frightening confrontation when a Missouri roofing company employee allegedly threatened his co-workers and displayed a firearm.
David E. Downing Jr., 40, is charged with first-degree terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to court records.
The incident reportedly happened on Aug. 20 after Downing arrived late to work and was allegedly not working after he arrived.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the St. Charles Police Department, an assistant foreman brought the issue to his boss’s attention. Downing allegedly overheard co-workers discussing his behavior and became upset, accusing them of “disrespecting” him.
His boss reportedly sent the workers to lunch in an effort to calm the situation. Instead, police say the confrontation became even more concerning.
Police Say Downing Showed Crime Scene Photos
While the employees were traveling to lunch, Downing allegedly showed one of his co-workers crime scene photographs from Pennsylvania.
According to police, the photographs were connected to a case for which Downing had previously been convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Investigators also allege that Downing bragged about killing another person in St. Louis, describing the death as an “unsolved” killing.
The situation became more serious when Downing allegedly reached behind his co-worker and pulled out a firearm fitted with a 100-round drum magazine, according to the affidavit.
The allegations left the workers increasingly concerned about what Downing might do next. When the group returned to the job site, police say Downing remained combative with his co-workers.
His boss ultimately sent him home and instructed him not to return to work the following day.
‘Split Everyone’s Taco’ Threat Allegedly Made
Investigators say the situation escalated further after Downing was sent home.
According to the affidavit, Downing allegedly told approximately 10 to 11 employees that if he were fired over the incident, he would return to the job site and “split everyone’s taco.”
The workers reportedly took the threat seriously and said they no longer felt comfortable returning to the workplace.
Downing allegedly then called his boss and demanded that everyone pay him $1,000, threatening to shoot them if they did not comply, according to police.
The company’s president responded by taking action to protect employees.
Workers were called off the job site because of fears that Downing could return and carry out the alleged threats. The company president eventually fired Downing by text message.
Police were then notified about the alleged threats.
Company Workers Say They Were Afraid
The employees’ reaction highlighted the seriousness of the alleged confrontation. According to investigators, workers told police they were taking Downing’s statements seriously and did not feel safe returning to the job site.
The presence of a firearm and Downing’s alleged references to previous violence added to their concerns. The allegations resulted in Downing being taken into custody and facing two criminal charges.
He is currently being held in the St. Charles County Jail on a $300,000 cash-only bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 9.
Downing Previously Served Time for Fatal Shooting
The Missouri allegations come after Downing previously spent time behind bars in connection with a fatal shooting in Pennsylvania.
According to the Daily Item, Downing was sentenced in 2022 to 45 months to 12 years in prison for shooting 50-year-old Derrick Potts inside a hotel room in Valley Township.
The shooting happened in September 2019.
Downing had reportedly confronted Potts over allegations that Potts had raped his girlfriend. He was initially charged with murder, but a jury convicted him of the lesser offense of involuntary manslaughter.
He received credit for more than two years already spent in custody and was released on parole in April 2024.
At his Pennsylvania sentencing, Judge Gary E. Norton criticized Downing for taking the law into his own hands and failing to control his temper.
“If people would take a few breaths, have a discussion and not go armed in anticipation of a problem, we’d have less problems,” Norton said.
Missouri Case Now Moves Through Court
Downing’s latest case has once again placed his alleged behavior under scrutiny.
Police say the workplace confrontation began with frustration over lateness and work performance, but quickly developed into allegations involving a firearm, threats and demands for money.
The charges against Downing are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For the employees involved, however, the incident has already changed how safe they feel at their workplace as the criminal case moves forward.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
