Calif. McDonald’s employee allegedly threw hot oil on co-worker

YUBA CITY, Calif. (TCN) -- A 20-year-old McDonald’s employee is being treated for serious burns on his face, chest, and arms after his co-worker allegedly threw hot oil at him.

According to KRCA, Jacob Smith was in the office of the McDonald’s on May 30 getting ready to count money before his shift ended when someone threw hot liquid on him. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, where medical staff are working to minimize the size of the burns to reduce the need for skin grafting. According to his mother, Amber Smith, Jacob Smith’s pain is so severe that he has to be given pain medication in the intensive care unit. 

Police identified 23-year-old Jalani Bluett as the suspect, KRCA reports. He also worked at the McDonald’s, and investigators believe he left the area after allegedly throwing the oil onto Jacob Smith. NBC News reports Bluett was arrested May 31 in connection with the attack. Online court records viewed by the outlet state Bluett was charged with felony battery with serious bodily injury, felony mayhem, and felony assault with a deadly weapon. 

According to a GoFundMe page set up by Amber Smith, “At just 20 years old, Jacob has worked hard to build a future for himself. 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.”

According to Law & Crime, Bluett pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail. 

The Sacramento Bee reports Bluett is scheduled to appear in court June 10 for further proceedings in the criminal case, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin on June 12.

Police have not released a motive.

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