Customer Assaults McDonald's Employee Over Straw

Daniel Taylor was arrested at a McDonald’s in Saint Petersburg, Florida, on New Year’s Eve after reaching across a counter to assault an employee over an apparent issue with the chain’s straw policy.

Cell phone video circulated online shows Taylor lunging to grab Yasmine James, who was working at the cash register, by the collar. James reacted quickly, punching the aggressor before other employees stepped in. Taylor also kicked another employee in the stomach as he was escorted from the building, according to reports police later arrested him, holding him on two counts of simple battery.

McDonald’s released a statement in response to the incident, saying their first priority is always the safety of employees and customers. Credit: Brenda Biandudi via Storyful