A California McDonald’s employee remains in intensive care after suffering severe burns when a coworker allegedly threw scalding hot oil on him in what police describe as an unprovoked attack.
Jacob Smith, 20, has spent more than a week in the ICU after the May 30 incident at a McDonald’s in Yuba City, California. According to authorities, he suffered second-degree burns across 22 percent of his body, including his face, neck, right arm and back.
“He was in the office getting ready to count the money when he saw out of the corner of his eye something, and he just turned, and the oil was just thrown on him,” his mother, Amber Smith, told KCRA, according to LadBible.
“I want justice to be served”
The injuries have left Jacob dealing with intense pain as he recovers.
“The pain he’s experiencing is so excruciating that they can’t give him a level of pain medicine outside of the ICU,” Amber said.
Police said the suspect, who worked alongside Jacob at the restaurant, left the scene after the incident. The individual was later arrested in Sutter County and is currently being held at Sutter County Jail while facing multiple charges. Authorities have not released a motive for the alleged attack.
As her son continues to recover, Amber says she hopes the person responsible is held accountable.
“I want justice to be served. I want him to serve the time he needs to serve for what he’s done to my son.
“I mean, I don’t wish bad things towards him. I just want him to understand that what he did — really understand what he did — and the pain that he caused to my son is excruciating.”
His family has launched a GoFundMe
John Cook, the owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurant, addressed the incident in a statement to People.
“The serious incident that took place at our restaurant this past weekend is deeply concerning, and our focus is on supporting our employee, Jacob, as he recovers,” he said according to LadBible.
“The safety and well-being of our employees, guests and community remain our top priority.
“The other individual involved is no longer employed by our organisation, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”
Meanwhile, Jacob’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses during his recovery.
“As much as I want to be angry, or want to hate people and be scared of people it’s just so hard to be when I have so many people showing their love for me,” Jacob wrote in an update shared by his mum.
“I’m not sad and I’m not angry and the pain doesn’t cause me grief because I know it’s necessary to heal. I’m so thankful for everybody.”
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