EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — A McDonald’s worker was stabbed multiple times while protecting other employees from an out-of-control customer in East Harlem.
The suspect began harassing and arguing with employees at a restaurant on 3rd Avenue and East 117th Street around 00:45 on Wednesday.
It is believed that he was having trouble ordering food from the kiosk and went up to the counter to talk to the female manager when they started arguing.
The 31-year-old victim, who was working in the kitchen, came out with a stick in his hand to protect the staff and was stabbed multiple times, including three times in the back, once in the arm and twice in the face.
He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but his condition is reported to be stable.
The suspect, allegedly armed with a box cutter, fled west along East 117th Street. He is described as a 5’11” or 6’0″ male, wearing a black and green jacket.
McDonald’s owner/operator Bruce Colley issued the following statement:
“We are shocked and dismayed by this senseless and unprovoked attack on one of our employees. The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We will continue to work with the NYPD and support our colleague and friend as they recover.”
The incident marks the second time this year that a fast food worker has been assaulted. In January, Burger King employee Crystal Byron-Nieves was gunned down right around the corner.
“It looks like the violence is getting worse and worse here,” said an East Harlem resident. “We have to stop all this.”
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