I've never worked in a restaurant myself, but I'll tell you something... For some reason, fast-food workers here in Phoenix really love screwing with cops' food. This first story is over 10 years old, but it was a huge deal when it happened:
Source: THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Headline: EATERY WORKER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY BLOWING NOSE IN
OFFICER'S BURGER
Date: December 12, 1990 Section: Valley And State
Page: B1 Edition: Final Chaser
Length: Short : 48 lines
Author: By Abraham Kwok The Arizona Republic
Text:
A 20-year-old fast-food worker has been arrested after he allegedly blew his nose into a hamburger that he served to a Phoenix police officer and then laughed about it.
George J. Kuehme, who had been on the job for less than a week, reportedly told a co-worker, ''That's what the cop gets'' as he tainted the food, police said.
Kuehme, of the 2400 block of East Willetta Street, was accused by police of aggravated assault, adding a harmful substance to food and disorderly conduct. He was being held at a Maricopa County jail in lieu of $3,425 bail.
''This is like pulling a gun on an officer,'' said Sgt. Kevin Robinson, a Phoenix police spokesman. ''He intentionally tried to injure or provoke the officer.''
Kuehme, who declined to be interviewed Tuesday, would face up to 45 months in prison if he were charged formally and convicted of the two felonies and one misdemeanor police are recommending to prosecutors.
The incident occurred about 8:30 p.m. Monday when Officers Gary Underhill and David Duron placed an order at the drive-through window at Jack in the Box, 1001 N. 24th St., police said.
The officers left with their food, responded to a forgery call then sat down to their meals, police said.
Underhill reportedly took three bites into his hamburger when he noticed ''nasal mucus'' on his hands and face, according to Officer Leo Speliopoulos, a police spokesman.
''It was a repugnant act,'' Speliopoulos said.
Underhill and Duron returned to the restaurant and spoke to the shift manager, Aaron Gulsarry, who confronted Kuehme, police said.
Kuehme reportedly admitted the prank but offered no reason for his action, authorities said. He was immediately fired by Gulsarry.
''We are shocked and horrified at the information reported by the officer,'' said Jan McLane Rieger, a spokeswoman at Jack in the Box corporate headquarters in San Diego.
The restaurant closed early Monday night as a result of ''the commotion'' caused by the arrest, she said.
Underhill complained of stomach pains after the meal and expressed concern about catching communicable diseases, Duron wrote in his report.
Underhill, however, required no medical treatment.