A San Mateo man is facing criminal charges after prosecutors say he threw a cup of scalding coffee at a Jack in the Box manager who had declined his request for a fresh cup.
Willie Anthony Quinn, 64, entered the Jack in the Box restaurant on 3rd Avenue last Thursday and asked the manager for free food, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office. The manager, 55, turned him down, telling him the request violated company policy.
Another customer in the restaurant then stepped in and bought Quinn a meal along with a cup of hot coffee, prosecutors said.
The situation escalated later when Quinn demanded a fresh cup of coffee. When the manager refused, he began cursing at her, according to prosecutors. Quinn was then asked to leave the restaurant.
As the manager escorted him out, Quinn allegedly threw the coffee into her face and onto her neck. Prosecutors said the coffee was about 200 degrees. By the time first responders reached the scene, the woman's face had begun to blister.
San Mateo police tracked down Quinn the following day after he was seen on security video, authorities said. He was arrested after the victim identified him. During the arrest, officers found a small baggie containing methamphetamine in his pocket, prosecutors said.
If convicted, Quinn could face life in prison under California's three-strikes law. Prosecutors said his criminal history includes prior felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon in 1995 and assault with a firearm in 2009.
Quinn has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody. The charges were detailed in a press memorandum issued by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.
