A Taco Bell employee in Utah is facing charges after cops say he assaulted a 64-year-old customer using martial arts-style kicks.
Salt Lake City police say the trouble began Tuesday afternoon when the victim complained to staff at a Taco Bell about his order.
“While getting his money back, some very strong words were exchanged,” according to a Salt Lake County Jail report obtained by Deseret News.
When the customer left, cops say 23-year-old Duane Massie clocked out and followed the man outside.
According to the report, the customer shoved a second Taco Bell employee as she tried to diffuse the situation, prompting Massie to throw the first punch.
Police say Massie then landed several more blows, including kicks to the victim’s face and body and that Massie, “continued to kick and punch the victim while on the ground.”
When authorities arrived, the victim was bleeding heavily due to an intravenous tube in his arm that was ruptured and he was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Massie, who reportedly told cops he’s a second degree green belt in Muay Thai, was later arrested at his home. He remains held on an aggravated assault charge.
In a statement, Taco Bell said:
“The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. Taco Bell and its franchisee, ES-O-EN Corp., the owner and operator of this Salt Lake City Taco Bell restaurant, were very disturbed to learn about this incident. ES-O-EN is fully cooperating with the Salt Lake City police in their investigation.”
