Florida woman charged with battery after allegedly throwing pizza at employee

March 25, 2019

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WTSP) — A Pasco County woman has been charged with battery after deputies say she chucked pizza slices at a pizza-maker, who was found covered in tomato sauce.

The dispute happened around 1:30 p.m. Friday at a pizza shop on Seven Springs Boulevard in New Port Richey.

Investigators say Syeda Saleem bought a pizza that she claims caused her son to throw up -- prompting Saleem to demand a refund.

Authorities say the pizza-maker refused to hand the money back and instead offered to make her another pizza. Then, Saleem allegedly demanded six sodas, and the worker said no.

As the argument escalated, deputies say Syeda threw pizza at his chest and face before driving away.

When authorities interviewed Syeda, she allegedly claimed she ordered a margherita pizza but was given a plain cheese pizza.

"Sydea stated she went to confront the manager about the pizza and he sprinkled some basil on top of the pizza," according to an arrest affidavit.

She claimed the cheese was spoiled, and her son puked.

"Syeda stated when she attempted to return the pizza, Fatos began to yell racial slurs at her and told her to go back to her country," the affidavit said. "Syeda stated she then shoved the pizza through the window and the pizza hit him because he was standing in her way."

She was arrested and taken to the Land O' Lakes Detention Center.