Three women were arrested this week in connection with an attack on a 17-year-old Chili’s hostess after the employee refused to seat them due to the restaurant’s social distancing policy.
The hostess, Kelsy Wallace, 17, was assaulted by several diners last weekend at the restaurant in Baton Rouge, La., and was treated at a local medical facility for her injuries.
The women who allegedly assaulted Wallace left the scene but were arrested Thursday, police Sgt. Don Coppola Jr. announced Friday, according to NBC.
The suspects are Tammy Dabney, 48, Rodneka Dabney, 27, and Erica Dabney, 46, and the investigation is ongoing.
Coppola said tips given to Crime Stoppers aided in helping law enforcement find the suspects.
Tammy Dabney faces charges of aggravated second-degree battery while the two other suspects face charges of disturbing the peace and simple battery.
It is unknown whether attorneys represent the three women.
Wallace was unavailable for an interview, but NBC spoke with her aunt Lorraine Williams, who said the attack haunted her niece.
“Emotionally she is a wreck,” Williams told the outlet in a phone interview. “She has a lot of nightmares and fears.”
Wallace said the incident began when one of the customers shoved her, leading her to retaliate by pushing the patron back.
“I was kind of fighting for my life,” Wallace told People magazine. “I was really scared, calling out for my mama.”
The teenage hostess sustained damage above her eye, which required stitches, and a chunk of her hair was also ripped out in the process.
The assault escalated after Wallace refused to seat a party of 13 diners together, citing company COVID-19 social distancing policy.
A GoFundMe was set up by her aunt and surpassed its goal of $60,000. The description said the fund was set up to “provide a consolidated experience for the community to help Kelsy’s future endeavors.”