A customer was arrested after physically assaulting two McDonald’s workers in Ravenna, Ohio, over a drink order. The chaotic scene unfolded at the West Main Street location and was caught on camera. It began with 44-year-old Cherysse Helena Cleveland demanding a slushie made by mixing all three flavours together, according to a witness.
She was told that her request could not be fulfilled. The rejection left her furious, which was when she reportedly decided to force her way behind the counter. An argument erupted between Cleveland and the employees that did not remain verbal, as she repeatedly attacked them.
The video shows her yelling at workers before striking them and even ripping off one employee’s face mask. After cursing them for some minutes, she went to get ice in a cup from the beverage machine in the dining area. However, it is far from over, as she returns with the ice to hurl it at a worker. After forcefully going behind the counter once more, she launched another round of the physical attack.
The employees initially attempted to diffuse the situation, but when the second round began, one employee fought back. The video shows the worker tackling Cleveland to the ground. The two end up fighting on the floor, with the worker repeatedly punching her.
According to the witness, Brian Allen, the employees showed exemplary restraint despite being repeatedly assaulted. Allen was in the restaurant to order breakfast when the altercation ensued in front of him. He said he hit record on his phone when he sensed the situation was escalating and became concerned that someone might get hurt.
“I started recording in case law enforcement needed the tape for any kind of evidence of the assault,” he added. According to Allen, the altercation began after the manager explained the slushie request couldn’t be done. The woman’s frustration quickly turned into aggression, and she bypassed the counter to make the drink herself.
He added that he would not have shown such restraint if he worked at the restaurant and faced off with Cleveland. Describing what happened, he said the employees acted in self-defence, and one of them even did her best to protect her boss.
Near the end of Allen’s video, police showed up during the altercation. Cleveland is immediately placed in handcuffs and escorted out of the establishment. She was charged in mid-June with two counts of misdemeanour assault for the incident. She later appeared in court, and a $1,000 bond was set.
