An employee at a McDonald’s in Yuba City, California sustained severe burns after a coworker allegedly threw hot oil on him. Jacob Smith, a 20-year-old, is currently in the hospital recuperating from the incident which occurred on May 30.

According to his mother, Amber Smith, he was attacked while preparing to leave work. She told NBC affiliate KCRA of Sacramento that Jacob was in the office getting ready to count money. He noticed movement out of the corner of his eye, and when he turned, hot oil was thrown onto him.

Yuba City police have identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, as reported by KCRA. Bluett allegedly left the McDonald’s following the attack but was arrested on May 31 by Sutter County deputies after being reported missing.

Jacob Smith is currently receiving treatment in the UC Davis ICU burn unit. Online court records indicate that Bluett faces several charges including felony battery with serious bodily injury, felony mayhem, and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Bluett has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Bluett’s public defender has not provided any immediate comments. John Cook, the owner and operator of the Yuba City McDonald’s, confirmed that Bluett is no longer employed there. He expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees and community.

Jacob’s mother detailed the extent of his injuries to KCRA; burns cover one side of his face, extend down his neck, along his right arm, and across his back. She mentioned that Jacob is enduring severe pain, and medical professionals are working to reduce the burn areas to potentially lower the amount of skin grafting needed.