A woman who works at a McDonald’s on Florida’s Western Gulf Coast was arrested for child abuse after she allegedly attacked a teenage girl for helping herself to Ranch dipping sauce without the assistance of an employee.
Late in the afternoon on April 4, a 17-year-old girl went to a McDonald’s in St. Petersburg. When she received her order, the teen realized there were no containers of Ranch sauce in the bag. The young woman tried to get the attention of the employees to ask for the dip, but she alleged that no one would help her. She took it upon herself to remedy her problem by stepping behind the counter and grabbing what she needed.
A 31-year-old employee noticed the teen as she went back to the public area and allegedly became physically aggressive by first grabbing her by the arm. According to the police report, the girl “tried to break free” from the worker’s hold. She was unsuccessful, and the employee reportedly pushed the girl to the ground while holding her by the neck before allegedly choking her.
The authorities were notified, and St. Petersburg police went to the restaurant to investigate. They reported that the customer had visible marks on her neck consistent with being choked. It was also reported that cameras inside the establishment recorded the alleged assault.
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. She is facing a felony count of child abuse without great bodily harm. The following evening, she was released after posting a $2,500 surety bond with orders to stay away from the alleged victim, in addition to her place of employment. According to reports, the woman is being represented by a public defender, and she pleaded not guilty to the accusation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a child abuse offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.