McDonald’s straw battle: Worker in viral video says boxing helped her fend off customer who grabbed her – CBS News

Days after a video of a Florida McDonald’s employee being assaulted by a consumer on New Year’s Eve went viral, she spoke to CBS affiliate WTSP about defending herself—- and why workplace security requires to improve at the fast food chain.

Yasmine James, 20, started operating at the McDonald’s in St. Petersburg 3 months back. On Monday, a client got aggressive when she notified him he had to ask for a straw. After cursing and shouting at her, she stated he leaned over the counter and attacked her.

“He grabbed me which really scared me due to the fact that I didn’t know if he had a weapon or a knife or what,” James stated. “When he got me, my main point was to get him off of me the very best way I understood. Just let me go.”

James, who discovered how to box as a teen, combated back as fellow coworkers stood by idly as seen in the viral video.

VIEW: Video reveals a McDonald’s staff member punching a consumer after he violently attempted to pull her over a counter. Authorities state the man is now under arrest. https://t.co/wQEI3PITyV pic.twitter.com/RY0Muf3dSX!.?.!— CBS News(@CBSNews)She said her manager didn’t pertain to her help, but does not fault them for it. She claimed they have actually never ever gotten proper training to deal with rowdy consumers. She is now contacting McDonald’s to enhance employee security and train managers to de-escalate comparable situations.”I do not desire it to be blamed on him, I want to blame it on the method he was trained ’cause he is not a bad manager, “she said. “It’s just that when that thing happened it resembles he didn’t know what to do.” Police arrested 40-year-old Daniel Taylor in connection with the attack. He was charged with two counts of basic battery.James’attorneys want the charges elevated to felony battery. They said they are exploring all legal alternatives

.”This is the last straw for violence against all workers and all females, “she said. In a statement released Thursday, McDonald’s stated the company’s” greatest concern is constantly the security and well-being of everybody in the restaurant.”It added:”We strongly stand with our staff members all over, including our staff members at this dining establishment who were included in this occurrence.” For now, James is taking a leave because she’s not comfortable with being”paranoid and afraid “at her job.