Big Flats, NY – A disturbance at a Five Guys restaurant in Big Flats led to multiple criminal charges after deputies say a woman allegedly poured bleach on food and threatened employees, forcing the business to temporarily close.
According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 11:09 a.m. Friday, July 3, to the Five Guys Burgers and Fries on County Route 64 after receiving reports that a female customer was attempting to fight with an employee.
Investigators said 36-year-old Larissa A. King of Elmira allegedly entered the restaurant and confronted an employee. Deputies allege King took possession of a 10-inch kitchen knife and an open bottle of bleach during the incident.
Authorities said King allegedly threw bleach at several employees and poured bleach onto prepared food, produce, the floor, and one employee. Several customers were also reportedly exposed to the bleach. The sheriff’s office said King left the business a short time later, and the restaurant had to close because of the contamination.
Deputies located King’s vehicle a short time later during a traffic stop and took her into custody without incident.
King has been charged with first-degree criminal trespass, a Class D felony; second-degree menacing; three counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief; three counts of second-degree reckless endangerment; and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the sheriff’s office.
She was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date.
The charges are allegations, and Larissa A. King is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
