Jacob Smith, burn victim, with his mother, Amber Smith, in an ICU room.
A shocking incident at a Northern California McDonald’s has left a 20-year-old employee, Jacob Smith, with severe second-degree burns across approximately 22% of his body. The alleged assault occurred when a co-worker reportedly hurled hot cooking oil at Smith while he was preparing to count money in the office.
Smith sustained burns to his face, neck, right arm, and back. He was admitted to the intensive care unit where his pain has been so extreme that medical options for pain management are limited outside of the ICU, according to his mother, Amber Smith, who is raising funds for his medical expenses via GoFundMe.
Authorities identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, also a McDonald’s employee. Bluett reportedly fled the scene before police arrived but was later apprehended after a public appeal for information. He is currently being held in Sutter County without bail on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and serious felony assault resulting in great bodily injury.
Jacob Smith is scheduled for skin graft surgeries due to the depth of some burns. Despite the severe injuries and ongoing recovery, Smith has expressed a remarkably positive outlook, thanking his support system and his faith for helping him cope with the pain and the healing process.
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