McDonald's under investigation after police officer given drink with peroxide-based cleaner

A former employee of the Kansas eatery has been arrested as both police and McDonald's investigates incident

Police have launched an investigation into a McDonald’s restaurant in Iola, Kansas after an Allen County Sheriff’s Office deputy was given a drink containing a peroxide-based cleaner.

Trevor J Hockaday, a 22-year-old McDonald’s employee, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery against a police officer after his coworkers told investigators he added “four little squirts” of a peroxide-based cleaner to the deputy’s drink order last month. Mr Hockaday, who may face felony charges, has reportedly been suspended as McDonald’s conducts its own investigation into the matter, according to a spokesperson.

Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy said the incident has shaken officers throughout the small Kansas city, who now have “concern” over whether their food is safe.

“In today’s day and age, not only us in law enforcement but citizens as a whole, there’s enough going on out there that we have to worry about,” the sheriff told the Wichita Eagle. “Now my guys are cautious about going through that drive through”.

“We all chose this line of work to protect and serve,” Mr Murphy continued. “Now my guys have that concern of – is my food safe?”

In a statement, the owner of the Iola McDonald’s Glen Nichols expressed regret over the allegations against Mr Hockaday, who he described as a “former crew member,” and said food safety was a top priority for the local eatery.

“In our restaurants, nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers,” he said. “We are very disappointed by the allegations made regarding the behaviour of one of our former crew members. This kind of behaviour goes against our food safety standards and is not tolerated. Our organisation will take all appropriate measures to gather facts and will work closely with authorities in their investigation.”

At first, the deputy was not immediately aware he had allegedly been provided a contaminated drink, which police said was either a cola or an iced tea. The deputy reportedly experienced “flu-like symptoms” but was not forced to take any time off work.

“He thought he caught the bug,” Mr Murphy said, “but we found out two weeks later when an employee came forward and told the police department.”