Efforts to ensure all employees undergo “safe space” training to assist patrons in crisis has paid off for a McDonald’s location in California.
What We Know:
- A woman walked into a McDonald’s franchise in Lodi, California and asked for employees to call 911, hide her, and gave them the license plate of the car she was traveling in.
- A spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson says that after the woman used the restroom, she tried to place an order at the counter but the man she was traveling with instructed her to get back in the car and that they could use the drive thru.
- While in the drive thru, she mouthed to employees to help her, saying “help me”.
- Thanks to the employees being quick on their feet, they were able to contact local police and Eduardo Valenzuela was arrested. Police discovered a stolen firearm in the vehicle and learned that Valenzuela has a history of violence toward the woman, having threatened her with the firearm.
- Valenzuela was charged with threats, stolen property, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
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The restaurant group praised the efforts and actions of the employees in a Facebook post:Valenzuela’s bail was set at $360,000.
