A 20-year-old McDonald's employee is hospitalized with devastating burn injuries after a fellow staff member allegedly doused him in scalding oil. The incident occurred on June 6 at a Northern California outlet. The victim, Jacob Smith, was finishing his shift when the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, reportedly threw hot oil on him and fled the scene.
Details of the Attack
According to local outlets ABC 10, CBS News, and KCRA, the perpetrator ran away before law enforcement arrived. The Sutter County Sheriff's Office apprehended Bluett just after midnight. He was considered at risk due to a diagnosis and vulnerabilities, prompting a public appeal for help locating him.
During Bluett's arraignment, the court held him on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and serious felony assault resulting in great bodily injury. He is being held without bail in Sutter County.
Victim's Injuries and Recovery
Jacob sustained second-degree burns over 22% of his body, affecting the side of his face, neck, right arm, and back. His mother, Amber Smith, told KCRA that her son was preparing to count money in the office when he saw something out of the corner of his eye and turned, only to have oil thrown on him. The pain is so excruciating that he cannot receive adequate pain medication outside the ICU.
A GoFundMe campaign supports Jacob's recovery. He is scheduled for skin graft surgery later this week. In a message, Jacob expressed gratitude, stating, “As much as I want to be angry, or want to hate people and be scared of people, it's just so hard to be when I have so many people showing their love for me. I'm not sad, and I'm not angry, and the pain doesn't cause me grief because I know it's necessary to heal.” He thanked God for saving his eye and for his family and friends.
The Mirror has approached McDonald's for comment.
