A late-night shift at a Yuba City McDonald's turned violent on Saturday when an employee was severely burned after a coworker allegedly threw hot oil on him, police said. The worker suffered serious burns to his face, neck, hands, shoulder and parts of his upper torso and was rushed to a Sacramento-area burn center for specialized treatment. Authorities say the suspect took off from the restaurant before officers arrived but was later tracked down and arrested.
Police say worker was doused with scalding oil
Yuba City officers responded just after 11 p.m. to the McDonald's near Harter Parkway and Colusa Highway, where they found an employee with significant burn injuries, according to police. Investigators told local media a coworker allegedly threw hot liquid at the victim, then fled the scene. The injured worker was transported to a Sacramento hospital for burn care, as reported by ABC10.
Suspect arrested and booked
Sutter County deputies later arrested 23-year-old Jalani Bluett of Yuba City and booked him into the Sutter County Jail on a warrant for battery causing serious bodily injury, according to The Sacramento Bee. The Bee reports deputies spotted Bluett walking back to his vehicle near Highway 99 and took him into custody. The investigation is still active and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Yuba City Police Department.
Possible charges and penalties
Under California Penal Code § 243(d), “battery causing serious bodily injury” can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. If charged as a felony, a conviction can carry a state prison sentence of two, three or four years. As a misdemeanor, it can bring up to a year in county jail, according to the California Penal Code.
Frying hazards and workplace safety
Hot cooking oil can reach high temperatures fast, cause deep burns in seconds and cling to skin, which often makes injuries more severe than a quick splash of hot water. Federal workplace-safety guidance notes that fryer splashes and scalds are a common cause of serious injuries in restaurant kitchens and stresses the need for training and protective gear. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and public-health researchers outline fryer-safety practices and scald treatment steps in guidance from OSHA and the CDC.
What happens next
Police say the case remains under investigation and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact the Yuba City Police Department at 530-822-4660, as reported by KCRA. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
