Man accused of choking juvenile drive-thru worker over dissatisfactory order

SOUTH JORDAN – A man is facing charges after police said he choked a juvenile drive-thru employee after he was upset with his order.

Salvador Espericueta, 51, is facing charges for one count of aggravated child abuse, one count of aggravated assault, and one count of disorderly conduct, according to an affidavit.

A probable cause statement said on Saturday, Dec. 28, at approximately 2:13 p.m., Espericueta was at an Arby’s drive-thru in South Jordan, when police were called about an assault.

Police said Espericueta was “upset with his order,” and got out of his vehicle to confront the victim. Espericueta then said “something along the lines of asking (the victim) if he is man enough to have a conversation,” before pushing the victim against a wall and door of the restaurant, documents state.

During the altercation, police said Espericueta “moved his hand up to the victim’s neck which constricted the breathing of the victim.” Espericueta then reportedly left the Arby’s.

Police said when they spoke to Espericueta, he made a comment about the allegation, “saying he made a mistake at the Arby’s (drive-thru).”