McDonald's manager burned, coworker arrested after oil

A 20-year-old McDonald's manager in Yuba City, California, remains hospitalized with severe burns after a coworker allegedly threw hot oil on him during a shift on May 30. Jacob Smith suffered second- and third-degree burns to his face, neck, arms, shoulders, and back, covering approximately 22 percent of his body, and has been receiving specialized treatment in the intensive care unit at UC Davis Medical Center.

The alleged assailant, 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, fled the restaurant on Harter Parkway before police arrived and was later reported as a missing person. Authorities stated Bluett was considered at risk due to a diagnosis and vulnerabilities. He was located and arrested by the Sutter County Sheriff's Office shortly after midnight on June 1.

Bluett was arraigned on June 6 and pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily injury. He is being held without bail at the Sutter County Jail. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and have not disclosed a motive for the attack. Smith's mother, Amber Smith, said her son also does not know what prompted the assault.