McDonald's Employee in ICU After Coworker Allegedly Throws Hot Oil in Yuba City Attack

A 20-year-old McDonald's employee is hospitalized in the ICU after he was allegedly attacked with hot oil by a coworker.

Jacob Smith was working as a shift manager at a McDonald's in Yuba City, California on May 30 when a colleague allegedly threw hot oil on him. Smith "suffered severe second-degree burns to his face, arm, and back," according to a GoFundMe started by his mother Amber.

Suspect in custody, alleged details emerge

Amber Smith told KCRA her son was in the office preparing to count the money for the night when he "saw out of the corner of his eye something" and allegedly had the hot oil thrown on him.

"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," Yuba City police Lt. Michael Bullard told ABC10.

Police eventually located the suspect, 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, and arrested him. Bluette is facing multiple felonies.

Bullard said Bluett was arraigned yesterday in Sutter County Court and "held to answer on assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, serious felony assault resulting in great bodily injury." He is currently being held in Sutter County Jail without bail.

As of now, there has been no reported reason for the alleged attack.

A 'long and painful recovery'

Jacob Smith remains hospitalized "as doctors work to help him heal," his mother wrote in the GoFundMe.

"He now faces a long and painful recovery process that will include ongoing medical care, treatments, and time away from work," Amber Smith wrote.

"While Jacob focuses on healing, he will be unable to work and earn an income. The financial burden of lost wages, everyday living expenses, transportation, and recovery-related costs will continue to grow in the weeks and months ahead."

Currently, the GoFundMe has raised roughly $26,000 toward a $55,000 goal.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 2:53 PM.