A 20-year-old McDonald’s shift manager in Northern California is on a difficult path to recovery after a shocking incident at his workplace. According to police, Jacob Smith endured a horrific attack when a coworker doused him with hot oil, resulting in second-degree burns that cover 22% of his body.
The painful episode unfolded on Saturday at a McDonald’s in Yuba City, a community approximately 40 miles north of Sacramento. Authorities are delving into the circumstances surrounding this disturbing event, which has left Jacob in significant physical agony.
“He’s got second-degree burns over 22% of his body. They said he was in excruciating pain yesterday,” shared Amber Smith, Jacob’s mother, who is grappling with the aftermath of her son’s injuries.
Amber describes Jacob as a person of deep faith and generosity. “My son is God-fearing. He would give anything to anybody. If he had $5 in his wallet and you needed it, he would just give it to you,” she expressed, underscoring the positive impact Jacob has on those around him.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Jacob is striving to maintain an optimistic outlook during his recovery process. His resilience and spirit are a testament to his character, as he navigates the path toward healing.
“He’s got second-degree burns over 22% of his body. They said he was in excruciating pain yesterday,” Smith said.
Police said officers responded Saturday after receiving a report that Jacob had been attacked by another employee.
“The victim was up walking around ambulatory and able to communicate with them, but had obvious burn marks on his upper torso and his face area,” said Yuba City police Lt. Michael Bullard.
Investigators said 23-year-old Jalani Bluett allegedly threw hot oil on Jacob before leaving the restaurant before officers’ arrival.
Shortly after Bluett left, the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office released a missing person flyer saying he was considered at risk due to a diagnosis and vulnerabilities.
Police said Bluett was later found and arrested by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight June 1.
Bluett is being held in the Sutter County Jail and faces multiple charges. Police said investigators have not determined a motive for the attack.
“The arraignment was yesterday in the Sutter County Court, at which time he was held to answer on assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, serious felony assault resulting in great bodily injury, and he was held to answer on that at the arraignment, and currently he is being held in Sutter County with no bail,” Bullard said.
Smith said her son is recovering and staying positive. She started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his bills and said she is grateful for the support her son has received from the community.
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office said Bluett was initially reported missing by family members. The agency also acknowledged Bluett has a disability but declined to specify what it is.