Man climbs through McDonalds drive-thru, attacks workers

FITCHBURG, Mass. -- A local man is accused of carrying out a drive-thru attack.

Police said John Ausiello, 51, climbed through the drive-thru window of the Kimball Street McDonald's and attacked two employees with a box cutter.

“At the time the personnel inside the McDonalds were busy with other tasks and he gained entry without them knowing it and upon discovery there was a scuffle,” said Glenn Fossa, of the Fitchburg Police Department.

Police said Ausiello cut the two employees with box cutter, tried to tie one up with his shoelaces, and then robbed the location of a small amount of cash.

It took Fitchburg and Massachusetts State Police only 30 minutes to locate Ausiello in one to two feet of water in the Nashua River.

“When he did flee, he fled towards the area of the river and was apprehended in that area by police,” Fossa said.

The two employees, a 26-year-old male and 34-year-old female, were treated for minor injuries, reportedly for cuts to the hands and face.

Fitchburg McDonald’s Vice President Dan Frazier issued a statement: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and security of our customers and employees. We are cooperating with the local authorities and are proud of how our employees handled the situation.”

Ausiello is in the Worcester County Jail and is due back in court on Sept. 13.

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