A McDonald's employee has been charged with assault after allegedly hurling scalding hot cooking oil on his 20-year-old manager at a restaurant in Yuba City, California, leaving the victim with third-degree burns across his face, arms and shoulders, authorities said.
Background
Jacob Smith had worked at the McDonald's location for several years as a dedicated employee, according to a GoFundMe created by his mother. On May 30, what began as an ordinary shift took a horrifying turn when a coworker allegedly targeted him with boiling oil.
"My son Jacob was working his shift at McDonald's, where he has been a loyal and dedicated employee for several years," the fundraiser description states. "What should have been a normal day at work turned into a nightmare when a coworker assaulted him by throwing hot oil on him."
Smith's mother, Amber Smith, described the attack to KCRA, the local NBC affiliate: "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."
The Charges
Sutter County Sheriff's Office investigators arrested Jalani Bluett, 23, in connection with the attack. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm, mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily injury.
Police have not released a potential motive for the alleged assault. Bluett made his first court appearance last Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is currently being held in custody without bail pending further proceedings.
"I want justice to be served," Amber Smith said. "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."
Smith sustained third-degree burns described by his mother as "excruciating" and is scheduled to undergo surgery next week. The extent of his injuries underscores the severity of the alleged attack.
"Why would he do this to me?" Jacob Smith asked his mother following the assault, according to the GoFundMe page.
Key Takeaways
- Victim Jacob Smith, 20, suffered third-degree burns to face, arms and shoulders in May 30 attack at Yuba City McDonald's
- Suspect Jalani Bluett, 23, charged with assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily injury
- Bluett pleaded not guilty during initial court appearance and is being held without bail
- Victim's mother describes Smith's injuries as "excruciating"; surgery scheduled for coming week
- Police have not disclosed a motive for the alleged assault
What's Next
Bluett faces additional court proceedings as the case moves through Sutter County Superior Court. Smith is expected to undergo surgery related to his burn injuries. Prosecutors will continue building their case while defense attorneys prepare their response to the charges.
"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."
The GoFundMe campaign established by Amber Smith is ongoing to assist with her son's medical expenses and recovery.