A post-shift money count at a California McDonald’s allegedly ended with one worker dousing another in hot oil. Police in Yuba City say 23-year-old employee Jalani Bluett threw the liquid on 20-year-old Jacob Smith on May 30 as Smith prepared to tally the cash in an office at the restaurant, per NBC News. Smith’s mother tells KCRA he spotted something in his peripheral vision, turned, and was hit with the scalding oil. Smith is being treated in the intensive care burn unit at UC Davis with injuries to his face, neck, arm, and back.
Investigators haven’t said what may have prompted the attack. Bluett allegedly fled the scene but was arrested the following day and has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony battery with serious bodily injury, felony mayhem, and felony assault with a deadly weapon, per online court records cited by NBC. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday, reports KRCR. The franchise owner says Bluett is no longer employed and that the company is focused on supporting Smith as he recovers, per NBC. Meanwhile, Smith’s mother says doctors are working to limit the size of the burns in hopes of reducing the need for skin grafts.
A GoFundMe set up by Smith’s mom to help pay for his medical care and living expenses as he heals had drawn in more than $140,000 as of Tuesday morning. “As his mother, it broke my heart when he looked at me and said, ‘Why would he do this to me?'” Amber Smith wrote on the donations page. “He is engaged to be married and has always been responsible, hardworking, and committed to those he loves. This unexpected tragedy has created a major setback at a time when he should be looking forward to building his life and planning his future.”
