Clearwater Man Facing Battery Charges After Attacking McDonald's Worker Over Straw

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 40-year-old man was arrested and charged with battery after an incident at a McDonald's in St. Petersburg.

Daniel Willis Taylor, 40 is facing two battery charges
Witnesses said Taylor used obscene language before demanding a straw
Affidavit: Taylor also kicked another employee before being forced out
St. Petersburg police said Daniel Willis Taylor reached over the counter and grabbed employee Yasmine James by the shirt.

The incident, which happened on December 31, 2018 at the restaurant located at 4595 34th Street South, was witnessed by several people and captured on cell phone video.

Witnesses said Taylor went to the counter and used obscene language demanding a straw. After James put the straw on his tray, witnesses say he demanded another one. That’s when video a customer shot shows Taylor grabbing the worker over the counter.

James responded by punching him several times until he let go. Police say after that, Taylor went behind the counter and the store manager walked him out of the store.

A witness, Brenda Biandudi, spoke with the woman.

"She mentioned to me that she used to box," Biandudi said.

Police said Taylor, of Clearwater, also battered another employee as he was being escorted out of the restaurant.

According to the affidavit, Taylor kicked Tateona Bell in the stomach while she was standing near the exit door.

After police arrived at the McDonald's, they received a call for an unarmed robbery at 1800 34th Street S., where they found Taylor and recognized him from the video at McDonald's.

Taylor was taken into custody and charged with two counts of simple battery and is being held on a $1000 bond.

The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP released a statement Wednesday afternoon about what happened.

The organization said police levied the "appropriate charges" but said the manager and other employees "demonstrated a blatant disregard for Ms. Jones', an African American female's safety" and that it will "conduct a further review of the matter."

Daniel Willis Taylor, 40 is facing two battery charges after police say he attacked a McDonald’s employee over a straw. (Pinellas County Jail)

McDonald's also released a statement:

"Our highest priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and customers at our restaurants," said McDonald's Spokesperson Keisha Boyd. "We have been in contact with the police department and are fully cooperating with their investigation."

свернуть