A 20-year-old McDonald’s employee in California remains in intensive care after suffering severe burns in what police describe as a shocking workplace attack involving hot cooking oil.
Jacob Smith, from Yuba City, sustained second-degree burns across roughly 22 percent of his body after a coworker allegedly threw scalding oil at him inside the restaurant on May 30.
Authorities say the incident happened while Smith was preparing to count money in the office area of the restaurant.
Family Describes “Excruciating” Pain
According to Smith’s mother, Amber Smith, her son barely had time to react before the hot oil struck him.
She told local media that Jacob noticed movement from the corner of his eye moments before the liquid was thrown directly onto him.
The attack reportedly left him with burns on his face, neck, right arm, and back.
Amber said the pain has been so severe that doctors have kept Jacob in the ICU because stronger levels of pain management are required during treatment and recovery.
Suspect Arrested Shortly After Incident
The Yuba City Police Department confirmed that the suspect, who also worked at the restaurant, fled the scene immediately after the alleged attack.
Law enforcement officers later arrested the individual in neighboring Sutter County. The suspect is currently being held in jail while facing multiple criminal charges connected to the incident.
Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive, and authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
McDonald’s Owner Responds
John Cook, the local owner and operator of the McDonald’s location, released a statement calling the incident “deeply concerning.”
He stated that the company’s primary focus is supporting Jacob during his recovery while cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Cook also confirmed that the other employee involved is no longer working for the organization.
Community Rallies Around Victim
Following the attack, Jacob’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and support his recovery process.
In a message shared through the fundraiser, Jacob thanked supporters for the overwhelming amount of kindness he has received since the incident.
Despite his injuries, he said he does not want to live with anger or hatred and expressed gratitude for the people standing beside him during recovery.
“As much as I want to be angry, it’s hard to be when I have so many people showing love for me,” he wrote in the emotional update.
The incident has shocked many online, with social media users expressing disbelief over the violent workplace attack and sending messages of support to the young employee and his family.
