Ex-Con, 29, Back in Jail After He Struck a McDonald’s Drive-Thru Worker in the Face With a 'Frozen Coffee Beverage': Cops

A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly threw a frozen coffee drink at a McDonald’s employee following a heated argument at a drive-thru. The incident occurred at 8901 Park Blvd in Seminole and has raised concerns about the safety of drive-thru workers.

Authorities identified the suspect as Daniel D Abramowitz, 29, who was charged with felony battery after the drink burst open on impact and covered the victim, Stephen Lavadinho.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Abramowitz has a criminal history that includes a prior domestic battery conviction for punching his girlfriend — the mother of his child — in the face.

According to arrest records, Abramowitz is described as a white male weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He stands about 6 feet 2 inches tall.

Investigators said Abramowitz was sitting in his vehicle in the drive-thru lane around 1 a.m. when he engaged in what officials described as a “brief discussion” with the fast-food employee. During the interaction, he allegedly threw a McDonald’s frozen frappe at the worker.

The frozen drink struck the 28-year-old victim in the face, causing the cup to break open upon impact, according to the arrest affidavit. The beverage reportedly spilled over Lavadinho’s face, hair, and jacket.

Authorities said the incident was captured on surveillance video.

In addition to the battery charge, Abramowitz is also accused of violating the terms of a three-year probation sentence tied to a 2023 felony conviction for stealing and pawning a watch.

Abramowitz, who is originally from New Jersey, also has prior convictions for obstruction, probation violations, and burglary. Records show he previously served separate three-month and six-month sentences in county jail.

The incident quickly sparked reactions on social media, with many users weighing in on the alleged attack. “I don’t feel bad, not one bit lol,” one person wrote.

Another user criticized the treatment of fast-food workers, saying, “Why do people think it’s okay to do this to fast-food workers where you spend very little money? If cooks mess up your order at a fancy restaurant where you spend a lot, people don’t walk into the kitchen looking for the chef. Why belittle people like that?”

Others called for stricter consequences for the suspect. “Hopefully he gets the repeat offender sentence this time,” one Facebook user wrote. “A punk from NJ with a criminal history assaults someone. Who saw that coming?” another added.