Tips sought in drive-through attack

A Wendy's employee who was sprayed in the face needs medical attention. But doctors need to know what substance was used.

By DUANE BOURNE
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 18, 2003

SPRING HILL -- An 18-year-old woman was working the drive-through window at Wendy's on Spring Hill Drive on March 28 when someone sprayed her in the face with what authorities believe was a fire extinguisher.

Three weeks later, the woman is still suffering from the effects of the bizarre attack. She is experiencing respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, and skin and nose irritation from inhaling the unknown white substance.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in identifying the suspect and the type of fire retardant that was sprayed.

The woman's mother told the Times on Thursday that doctors need to identify the chemicals in the spray to better treat her daughter. If her condition is not properly treated, she said, it could cause lifelong damage to her lungs.

The Times is withholding the Spring Hill woman's name because no arrests have been made and she and her family have expressed concern about possible retaliation. The woman told authorities she did not know her attacker.

According to a sheriff's report, the woman was taking money for an order at the drive-through window at the Wendy's restaurant at 14339 Spring Hill Drive about 10 p.m. when she was sprayed in the face by an unidentified man driving a dark-colored Ford Bronco with large tires. There may have been a passenger in the vehicle, the sheriff's report states.

Authorities said the woman was taken to Spring Hill Regional Hospital, where she was treated for exposure to the unknown substance and released.

"We're hoping that someone knows something and gives us a call to quickly identify the chemical to assist the girl," said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Joseph Paez.

-- Duane Bourne covers law enforcement and emergency services in Hernando County and can be reached at 754-6114. Send e-mail to dbourne@sptimes.com.

Got a tip?

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 754-6830 or the anonymous phone line at 797-8477.

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