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Deputies: Ohio McDonald's employee shot two female coworkers, left them fighting for their lives

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ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Flashing lights surrounded a Beechmont Avenue McDonald’s Wednesday night in Hamilton County, Ohio after an employee shot two of his female coworkers, according to Hamilton County deputies. 

Zachary Allart has been charged with two counts of attempted murder. Police say he shot manager Denise Higgins and his ex-girlfriend Jayla Frost at about 10:50 p.m.

When uniformed deputies arrived, they said Allart had a gun to his head and was threatening to shoot himself. Deputies deescalated the situation, and Allart surrendered the firearm. He was taken into custody without further incident.

"There's no reason for (the public) to feel like there's any concern for anyone's safety," said Mike Robison of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. "This does not appear to be a random act of violence. This appears to be some sort of domestic dispute."

Both victims were transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition. Allart was transported to the Hamilton County Justice Center.

"The injuries to one is very critical and grave. It could very possibly be life-threatening," Robison said.

In January, police arrested Allart after he assaulted two employees at a UDF. Court documents say Allart put one male employee in a headlock and punched him repeatedly; the other victim was injured when Allart grabbed her as she tried to break up the fight.

Allart was placed on probation as part of a plea deal.