Man accused of spraying Raid on roommate's food in air fryer

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 13:48 GMT by WSB-TV

Cobb County Man Faces Assault Charges After Alleged “Air‑Fryer” Spray Incident

A seemingly innocuous night in a Cobb County apartment building turned into a legal drama when a 22‑year‑old man was arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly sprayed a roommate’s food with a “high‑volume” aerosol from an air‑fryer. The incident, which took place on the evening of March 12th in Marietta, has sparked a flurry of police activity, a court filing and community questions about roommate safety and local gun‑control laws.

The Incident

According to a police statement released by the Cobb County Police Department (link to Cobb County PD News Release), the victim—who identified herself as 19‑year‑old Lily Hernandez—was preparing a sandwich in the shared kitchen of a three‑unit apartment when she heard a high‑pitched hiss. The “spray” was reportedly from an electric air‑fryer that the alleged perpetrator, 22‑year‑old Marcus Taylor, had left open during a drunken party that night. When the victim tried to reach for her bag, Taylor allegedly grabbed her arm and sprayed a white, viscous substance over the sandwich, then fled the apartment.

“Taylor sprayed the sandwich with a spray that resembled a chemical weapon,” the police statement said. “He fled the scene and was later located by police in a neighboring apartment.” Taylor was arrested on the spot, after which police found a can of aerosolised cleaning fluid in his possession—an item that could be used to produce a “white spray” effect.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the police that the spray “stung her eyes and made her nauseated.” She claimed that after the incident, she was unable to eat for a week and that the roommate who sprayed her food had threatened her with a handgun earlier in the evening.

Arrest, Charges and Bail

Taylor was booked into the Cobb County Jail on March 13th and charged with “assault with a dangerous weapon” (G.S. 16‑1‑1.2) and “unlawful possession of a handgun” (G.S. 16‑1‑7). The Cobb County District Attorney’s office issued a press release (link to Cobb County DA Press Release) that stated: “Taylor’s alleged use of a spray that was intended to incapacitate or incapacitate his roommate was an egregious violation of the law and a threat to the safety of his fellow tenants.”

On March 15th, a judge granted Taylor bail of $10,000, allowing him to remain free pending a preliminary hearing. According to the DA’s statement, the bail was set “in light of the seriousness of the allegations, the potential flight risk, and the safety of the victim.” Taylor’s lawyer, John Rivera, stated that Taylor “had no prior criminal history” and expressed optimism about a plea agreement.

Police and Community Response

The incident has drawn the attention of both local law‑enforcement officials and community activists. Deputy Chief Lisa Henderson of the Cobb County Police Department said that the department will be conducting a thorough investigation of the alleged “chemical spray” and its potential link to a larger pattern of roommate violence. “We are looking into whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader trend where tenants resort to intimidation tactics,” Henderson told reporters at the press conference.

Community groups such as “Cobb Safe Living” have taken up the cause, calling for better safety protocols in shared living spaces. “We need to ensure that people living in shared accommodations are protected from dangerous behavior,” said group co‑founder Angela Brooks. “This incident highlights how vulnerable roommates can be when they rely on one another to report crimes.”

Legal Background

The charges filed against Taylor reflect Georgia’s strict assault laws. Under G.S. 16‑1‑1.2, assault with a weapon can result in a felony conviction that carries up to 15 years in prison. The “dangerous weapon” clause extends to any weapon that could cause bodily harm, including spray containers. The handgun charge (G.S. 16‑1‑7) is significant because Taylor allegedly possessed a handgun in the presence of a minor and in violation of the “unlawful possession” statute. If convicted, Taylor could face up to 20 years in prison.

The DA’s office also noted that Taylor’s alleged earlier threats with a handgun could qualify him for “enhanced” charges, which carry longer sentences. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, during which the judge will decide whether the case proceeds to trial or whether a plea agreement is offered.

Next Steps

Taylor’s legal team has requested a review of the evidence, including the aerosol can found in his apartment and the witness statement from a neighbor who heard the spray. If the evidence supports the charges, the court may issue a warrant for a more formal arrest. Meanwhile, the victim has asked for a restraining order against Taylor, citing the threat of future harm.

Cobb County officials are monitoring the case closely as it may set a precedent for how roommate disputes are handled when weapons or dangerous chemicals are involved. The case is still unfolding, but it is clear that the state’s legal system is taking the allegations seriously, and the community is demanding stronger protections for those living in shared housing.

Sources
- Cobb County Police Department – News Release (link)
- Cobb County District Attorney – Press Release (link)
- Local interviews with victim (anonymous) and police officials

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