Customer arrested after spraying chemical irritant at McDonald’s employees in Burnsville

The Burnsville Police Department said an arrest was made Tuesday, stemming from a Saturday evening incident that involved a customer who assaulted McDonald’s employees.

Police said employees of a McDonald’s restaurant reported they were assaulted by a customer, who allegedly sprayed a chemical irritant at them.

Authorities were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle, which led them to an arrest.

The suspect has been jailed on assault charges, according to Burnsville police. Police identified the suspect as Lazell Cook. He is currently being held at Dakota County Jail.

Valerie Johnson, owner/operator of the Burnsville McDonald’s issued 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS this statement, "the safety and security of our employees is of utmost importance to us. We are thankful nobody was seriously injured and for local law enforcement’s swift response."

On the evening of 2/20, employees of McDonalds in Burnsville were assaulted by a customer with bear mace. This morning, 2/23, the suspect vehicle and suspect were located by Brooklyn Park PD. Suspect jailed on assault charges. #teamwork

— Burnsville Police (@BurnsvillePD) February 23, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Burnsville Police Department originally stated the suspect used "bear mace," but have since walked back that statement, saying they don’t know for sure at this time.