A horrifying assault on a 15-year-old McDonald’s employee has shocked the St. Louis community, leading to the arrest of 25-year-old Johnny Ricks. The attack, which took place on April 7, left the teenager, Aryiah Lynch, with severe injuries including a fractured skull, a broken nose, and damage to her frontal lobe.
According to the St. Louis County Police, the assault began as a confrontation inside the McDonald’s restaurant, located in St. Louis County. Ricks and a group of unruly adults had initially caused a disturbance at the drive-thru window, leading staff to invite them inside to place their order. Once inside, the group became increasingly disruptive, throwing items around the restaurant and spitting on several employees.
The situation escalated further when Ricks became enraged, hurling a food tray at an electronic menu screen, causing its destruction. The altercation spilled out into the parking lot, where a disturbing video captured Ricks dragging Lynch by her hair, slamming her head onto the concrete, and stomping on her head repeatedly.”This assault has been a life-changing experience for her,” Lynch’s mother, Shawnunique Phillips, shared on a GoFundMe page created to cover her daughter’s medical expenses. The fundraiser has already garnered $13,000 of its $15,000 goal.
In the video shared by Phillips on Facebook, which has since gone viral, at least a dozen people can be seen grappling and exchanging punches in the parking lot. Aryiah Lynch outnumbered and overpowered, was left defenseless against the brutal assault.
Ricks, with a long rap sheet dating back to 2016, faces charges of felony assault and second-degree property damage. His criminal history includes charges of theft, fraud, excessive speeding, disorderly conduct, and even littering. In April 2023, he was arrested for aggravated assault.
The incident has prompted an outcry from the community, with many calling for Ricks to face additional charges such as child endangerment or attempted murder. Lynch, although traumatized by the attack, has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing surgery and hopes to return to work soon.
Jimmy Williams, the owner of the McDonald’s location where the incident occurred, expressed his concern for the safety of his employees and customers in a statement, saying, “Ensuring the safety of both our employees and customers is paramount to me as a local business owner, and we have a strict workplace violence policy at my restaurants. My team is fully cooperating with the St. Louis County police in their investigation.”
Johnny Ricks is currently being held at the St. Louis County Justice Center, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 25. It remains unclear whether he has retained an attorney. The community awaits justice for Aryiah Lynch and hopes that such a senseless act of violence will lead to stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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