Northern California McDonald’s manager recovering after coworker allegedly threw hot oil on him, police say
A Northern California McDonald’s shift manager is recovering after police say a coworker threw hot oil on him during an attack at the restaurant, leaving him with second-degree burns over 22% of his body.
Jacob Smith, 20, was attacked Saturday at the McDonald’s where he works in Yuba City, a community about 40 miles north of Sacramento, according to police.
His mother, Amber Smith, described him as a kind and generous young man who is now focused on recovery despite serious injuries.
“He’s got second-degree burns over 22% of his body. They said he was in excruciating pain yesterday,” she said.
Police said officers responded after receiving reports that an employee had assaulted another worker. When they arrived, Smith was found walking and able to communicate, but with visible burns on his upper torso and face, according to authorities.
Investigators allege 23-year-old coworker Jalani Bluett threw hot oil on Smith before leaving the restaurant prior to officers’ arrival.
After the incident, authorities issued a missing-person alert for Bluett, noting he was considered at risk due to a reported diagnosis and other vulnerabilities. He was later located and arrested by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight on June 1.
Bluett is being held in the Sutter County Jail and faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem. Police said investigators have not determined a motive for the attack, and he is being held without bail following a court appearance.
Smith’s mother said her son is recovering and trying to stay positive. She has launched a fundraising effort to help cover medical expenses and said the family has been overwhelmed by community support.
Authorities also confirmed Bluett was initially reported missing by family members and acknowledged he has a disability, though details were not released.
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