14 hours ago
Family pushing for change after woman killed in Taco Bell drive-thru shooting
STOW, Ohio (WJW) – The family of a young woman who was murdered while in the drive-thru line at the Taco Bell on Graham Road in Stow is fighting to make all drive-thru lanes safer.
'My daughter would still be alive, I truly believe that,' said Nick Keleman, father of Megan Keleman.
The 25-year-old was with her dog at the fast food restaurant on August 14, 2024, when a disturbed man pulled up behind her.
Police say 53-year-old Jason Williams, who had struggled with mental health issues, began blowing his horn and ramming his vehicle into Megan's, although they don't know why.
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With no escape, Keleman asked Taco Bell employees to call the police, while she was also on the phone with her father.
'I deal with this every day,' said Nick with tears in his eyes. 'I heard the fear in her voice. I couldn't get to her quick enough., I couldn't protect her.'
Before Nick or the police arrived, Williams fatally shot Megan and then himself.
Police Chief Jeffrey Film said at the time, 'we have no information to indicate that the two subjects knew one another.'
Megan's family strongly believes she would still be alive if that drive-thru had a second open/exit lane.
'You have a building on the left and an embankment on right. There's no way to get out,' he said.
Tuesday night, the Keleman family — including Megan's mother Kelly and her brother Matthew — met with Stow's planning commission in support of 'Megan's Way Out,' a zoning code proposal that would require drive-thrus to have a 10-foot bypass lane.
It's basically a second open lane that could be used for any number of emergencies.
About 40 people, mostly supporters, also attended the meeting where the bypass lanes were described as, 'necessary and important to provide for emergency and safety access in the event of medical emergencies and mechanical issues as well as improving traffic flow and congestion management on the property.'
It would apply to all new restaurants and businesses with drive-thru lanes and/or those undergoing restoration.
The planning commission unanimously passed 'Megan's Way Out.'
The next step will be full hearings in July, then public comment and a final vote scheduled for September.
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The family hopes to start with Stow and then have 'Megan's Way Out' adopted across the state. They're getting help from a state senator.
'It's something we want to implement statewide,' said Ohio State Senator Casey Weinstein, (D) Hudson.
The family calls it common sense and said they'll be there every step of the way.
'We just want to honor Megan and make her proud and make change,' said Kelly Keleman.
The family also started a nonprofit called Megan's Rainbow of Hope to provide scholarships and 'spread happiness & kindness like confetti,' just like Megan who lived to help others.
FOX 8 reached out to Taco Bell for comment on the proposed changes but have not yet received a response.
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