A drive-thru fight at Portillos in Oswego this past Sunday between a customer and an employee was not racially motivated, according to Oswego police.
Oswego Police Chief Jeff Burgner said Thursday that “neither of the individuals that were involved in this incident had indicated to us that they felt it was racially driven. It is important that we bring all of the facts that we can get ahold of in order to try and see where the investigation goes or whether charges will be filed or not.”
According to Oswego police, officers were called to investigate a fight at about 11:50 a.m. on Sunday in the 2800 block of Route 34. They report that the incident began when a 48-year-old customer spilled his milkshake in his car. An 18-year-old employee blamed the customer, police said. The customer then got out of his car and a fight ensued.
Subsequently, video has surfaced on social media that shows the customer kneeling on the neck of the Portillo’s employee as workers demand that the man stop. Additional video has been provided to the Oswego police allegedly purporting to record the incident. [NOTE: Adult Language]
Both the customer and the employee suffered minor injuries, with the employee being treated and released at a local hospital for a sprained elbow. The customer had injuries to his face.
So far, no charges or arrests have been forthcoming.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have any information to please contact the Oswego Police Department at 630-551-7300.
