Warrant: McDonald's manager punched customer who had service dog

By Elise Hitchcock

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Marietta McDonald's manager is accused of punching a mother who brought a service dog and her autistic children into the restaurant.

A Cobb County warrant charges Tiffany Denise Allen with simple battery, simple assault fear and disorderly conduct.

According to the warrant, Jennifer Schwenker entered the Marietta McDonald's located at 1291 Bells Ferry Road with her children and service dog on July 12.

Allen, off-duty at the time, became irate that the dog was in the restaurant, the warrant says.

Schwenker explained to Allen the dog's purpose and told the manager the dog was legally allowed to be inside the establishment.

Allen continued to berate Schwenker, following her around the restaurant and even into a bathroom.  During the incident, one of Schwenker's twins disappeared. The mother threw her cup to the ground and ran outside to look for her child, the warrant says.

Allen believed the cup was thrown at her and followed the mother into the parking lot, where she is accused of hitting her in the face.

Surveillance video shows several McDonald's employees holding Allen back, according to the warrant.

The warrant for Allen's arrest was signed July 15. She is not listed as having been in custody at the Cobb County jail.

An owner of the McDonald's, who did not want to be named, declined an interview but did say Allen no longer works at the restaurant.