McDonald's manager choked by angry customer

California police are searching for a woman who was caught on surveillance camera physically assaulting a McDonald’s manager.

The woman, who ordered through the drive-thru service, entered the back door to the kitchen asking for ketchup. When the store manager said she was not allowed in the area, the suspect became “combative,” the Santa Ana Police said.

“The suspect pushed, punched, and choked the victim,” authorities said in a statement on Tuesday.

The police also posted a video of the incident, which showed the woman with her hands around the employee’s neck. The suspect slammed the victim against the drive-thru window while another employee intervened to stop the woman.

“There’s no reason to physically assault someone because you didn’t get enough ketchup,” said Corporal Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police.

A man who appeared to know the suspect entered the kitchen and helped end the altercation. The two left immediately after. Authorities are hoping to speak with the man as they gather more information on the incident but said the man would not be charged.

Police are asking the local community to help identify the woman.

Workplace violence is a globally prevalent issue but it is underreported, said Era Mae Ferron, who specialises in the prevention and management of workplace violence.

The silence may be due to “an enduring expectation that violence is ‘part of the job,’” Ferron said.