Police in Santa Ana, California, are searching for a woman accused of assaulting a fast-food worker after an incident at a Chipotle restaurant on 12 May.According to reports, the unidentified customer became involved in a heated argument with a staff member over her order.

The dispute escalated when she suddenly threw a burrito bowl directly into the employee’s face at close range, causing rice, beans and other contents to spill over the counter and onto the worker.Footage of the incident circulated online, showing the moment food was hurled across the counter and the aftermath inside the restaurant.Following the attack, the woman reportedly fled the scene through a nearby shopping centre before police arrived.Authorities have described the suspect as a woman aged between 18 and 25, believed to be of Hispanic descent, with long brown hair.She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers with white polka dots.Police have since issued an appeal for public assistance in identifying and locating her.

The case has generated significant online reaction, with some social media users dismissing the behaviour as an overreaction linked to dissatisfaction with food portions, while others strongly condemned the act as unacceptable violence against service staff.Law enforcement has reiterated that such conduct may result in assault charges regardless of the circumstances of the dispute.

The incident forms part of a broader series of reported disturbances at fast-food outlets in the United States, highlighting ongoing concerns about aggression towards retail and hospitality workers.Investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and review available video footage.