The violent beat down of two McDonald's customers at the hands of an employee wielding a metal pipe was graphically caught on camera and prompting surprised reactions from people who see it.
Just past midnight on Thursday the argument began between employee 31-year old Rayon McIntosh and two friends, a 24-year-woman from Queens whose family ask we not use her name and 24-year-old Rachel Edwards of Brooklyn.
It escalates to where one of the women slaps McIntosh in the face.
He retreats, as one woman climbs over the counter and the other walks around.
They both confront him when he appears with a large pipe. He starts swinging.
McIntosh reportedly served time in prison for manslaughter faces felony assault and weapons charges.
Both women are being charged with menacing and trespass.
The father of one victim is upset over the beating.
Others believe it's a difficult situation.
"Absolutely unacceptable for anyone to think they can jump a counter and threaten people that work anywhere. The pipe is a bit extreme but as a working man, anywhere you work you have right to defend yourself," said Mark Haslinger, a resident.
Both women were hospitalized, one with a fractured skull and broken arm. The other had a laceration.
The franchise owner Carmen Paulino released a statement, "I am extremely disturbed by the events captured on tape and am concerned for those injured. The actions of this individual are unacceptable and not characteristic of my employees. This individual no longer works for my organization. Operating safe, welcoming restaurants is my top priority. I am fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation."
McDonald's also released a statement, "The violence in this video is alarming and reprehensible. The franchisee of this restaurant has told us that the individual involved no longer works for her organization. We strive to ensure that our McDonald's restaurants are safe and welcoming for our customers. Our franchisee is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation."
