A fast-food worker in the Bay Area was injured at her job and is currently recovering.
Bianca Palomera was working at a Habit Burger Grill in California when she saw a man bully a boy. A man and three other people were harassing the boy, who is the brother of her co-worker.
Palomera asked the man to stop talking to the boy. The man turned his attention to her and that's when the conflict began.
He was threatening to beat him up and he kept looking at him. Palomera told NBC affiliate KNTV that he stepped in and said, "It's not right what you're doing"
A view of the register area can be seen in the video from the altercation. Palomera was punched in the face by a man in a jacket in the store lobby.
Palomera separated herself from the man, who quickly left the store and got into a silver BMW with the people he came with, driving away.
Palomera's glasses flew off his face after he was punched by the man.
Palomera's sister told her that she would lose an eye because of the assault.
Palomera said that she underwent emergency surgery after the attack. She lost her right eye due to her injuries. She is doing well now.
Bianca has a medical problem and her sister is trying to raise money for her care. As of this writing, it has raised over 70% of its goal.
Multiple messages from strangers who said they have special needs children appreciated her defense of a child in need, as well as encouraging words of support.
The incident is an open investigation and there are no suspects in custody, according to the police. The victim's sister is asking for help identifying the attackers after posting security video and other images on Facebook.
The Habit Burger Grill issued a statement when contacted.
Palomera doesn't regret her actions that day and is currently recovering at home.
She said this was the last thing she would expect. I stepped in and I don't regret it. It might have been worse for my co-worker's brother.
The article was first published on TODAY.
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