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A police investigation would later reveal that she was traveling with a man who had a history of abusing her. That day, he had threatened her with a firearm and demanded that she drive him to see his family.
After using the McDonald's restroom, the woman tried to approach the counter again to make an order, police said. But the man she was traveling with stopped her and demanded that she use the drive-thru.
Even in the drive-thru, the woman continued to send distressed messages to employees, mouthing "help me" through the window to a restaurant worker, police said.
As she was in the drive-thru, police arrived and employees quickly pointed them to the woman in her car with the man in the passenger seat.
Police found a stolen firearm in the trunk of the vehicle and arrested the man.
He faces four felony charges, including criminal threats, stolen property and possession of a firearm as prohibited person. His bail is set at $360,000.
She picked the right McDonald's
The woman chose the right place to ask for help.
The Golden State Restaurant Group, which owns the McDonald's location she went to, has certified each of its restaurants as a "Safe Place."
There are more than 20,000 Safe Place sites across the US.
"Thank you to our team for handling this appropriately, and to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Deputies who are constantly serving and protecting our community! We are proud to be in support with both A Safe Place and all of our law enforcement! Thank you for all of the community support and please always be safe and aware!"