Calif. man arrested for allegedly punching fast food employee, causing her to lose an eye

ANTIOCH, Calif. (TCD) -- A 20-year-old man was arrested weeks after he reportedly punched a fast food worker who was defending a customer with special needs.

According to a statement, on Nov. 12 at 5:25 p.m., the Antioch Police Department started receiving several calls about an assault at the Habit Burger Grill on Mahogany Way. Investigators learned an employee was "punched in the face multiple times after protecting an individual with an intellectual disability from being bullied."

The employee, who was identified as 19-year-old Bianca Palomera, lost her right eye due to her injuries.

On Dec. 5, Antioch Police announced the suspect, Isaac White-Carter, was arrested in Hayward, California, by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce. He was handed over to Antioch Police and booked on charges of mayhem and aggravated assault causing great bodily injury.

The police department will present their case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

In a press conference Monday, Antioch Police Department spokesperson Ashley Crandell called the incident "devastating," adding, "The victim is young and she lost her eye as a result to it. That is something that is obviously very serious. The assault was very gruesome."

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe released a video after White-Carter was arrested and said he is giving Palomera a key to the city for her "heroic efforts."

MORE:

• Habit Burger Aggravated Assault – Arrest - Antioch Police Department
• Police Arrest Man Suspected of Punching Food Worker, Causing Her to Lose Eye - NBC Bay Area
• Antioch Fast Food Worker to Lose Eye Following Attack, 11/16/2022 - NBC Bay Area
• Office of the Mayor: SUSPECT ARRESTED - Mayor Lamar A. Thorpe