Customers hurl drinks, chair at McDonald’s worker in melee over Splenda, video shows
A couple accused of attacking employees at an Atlanta-area McDonald’s last month has been arrested, according to multiple news outlets.
The incident, which was caught on video, occurred Nov. 23 at a McDonald’s restaurant in Locust Grove, WAGA reported, citing Henry County authorities.
Deputies said the couple, identified as Marshall and Crystal Wallace, grew angry when they were told at the drive-thru window that they would have to come inside to get a packet of Splenda, a sugar substitute. Both were arrested Tuesday, Dec. 7, during a traffic stop in Walton County, according to WGCL.
“The video clearly shows actions that blatantly violated the law and brought national embarrassment to the people of our great County,” Sheriff Reginald Scandrett said, as reported by the news station. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
(Warning: video contains strong language)
McClatchy News reached out to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 8 and is awaiting a response.
Part of the melee was posted on social media and re-shared hundreds of times.
The altercation started in the drive-thru when the passenger, identified as Crystal Wallace, threw a drink and tried to hit an employee inside, video shows. The driver, Marshall Wallace, also got out and began banging his fists on the window after the employee hurled a drink back at them.
The fight spilled into the restaurant when deputies said Marshall Wallace climbed through the drive-thru window and struck a manager in the leg with a chair, WSB-TV reported. Video of the incident showed him hoist the chair high above his head as if he were going to throw it.
A teen employee said they were afraid for their life and hid in a freezer amid the chaos.
“I was scared, because like, you never know how crazy people are like,” the worker told WSB-TV. “He could have had a gun and shoot us all.”
Crystal Wallace was arrested on charges of simple assault, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, WAGA reported, citing police. Marshall Wallace also faces several charges including criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and simple battery.
Both were booked into the Henry County Jail.
Bruce Vineyard, owner and operator of the Locust Grove McDonald’s, addressed the incident in a statement.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and staff are our top priorities each and every day within our organization,” Vineyard told McClatchy News. “We continue to cooperate with local law enforcement on this matter and ask that any further questions be directed to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.”
Locust Grove is about 36 miles southeast of Atlanta.
This story was originally published December 8, 2021 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Customers hurl drinks, chair at McDonald’s worker in melee over Splenda, video shows."