Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) have arrested and charged 44-year-old Ryan Barile of Halethorpe, Maryland, with hate crime-related offenses, stalking and telephone misuse following an investigation into alleged racial threats against a Taco Bell employee in Montgomery County.
According to police, Barile visited the Taco Bell in the 13800 block of Georgia Avenue on August 20, 2026, and became upset after receiving his order. Police allege that he began yelling at an employee, made racially derogatory statements and threatened to assault both the employee and a customer who attempted to intervene.
The following day, August 21, Barile allegedly returned to the restaurant and placed another order, which was served by the same employee. After leaving, police say he called the restaurant, made additional racially derogatory statements about the employee and threatened to shoot the employee.
Montgomery County Police were notified of the threats, and detectives with the 4th District Patrol Investigative Unit identified Barile as the suspect.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant, and Barile was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 14. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where police say he is being held without bond.
