Assult in the Work Place

On Friday of last week a co-worker and I got into a verbal argument at the restaurant we work in over her being late. Well needless to say this argument escaladed and she choked me in front of pretty much the entire staff including the manager that was on duty that night. Management, to the best of my knowledge has only scheduled a meeting with her to discuss what happened.

The night of the incident no police were called. And she has still been allowed to work.

Recently I found out that this restaurant is known for hiring people with criminal history. (2 of the current employees have P.O.'s calling daily to check on them.)

Is there any action I could take against the restaurant for producing what could be a none safe environment for its employees?

So I have a few questions.

1. Should the manager on duty have called the police so a report could of been filed or was that something I needed to do? Also, if a report should have been made is it too late to do so?

2. As far as I am concerned this girl should no longer have her job for assaulting a co-worker, am I right, or is this an ethical issue versus a legal one? What should I do?

3. Finally, if I am able and do file a report I am assuming a court date will have to be set to bring assault charges against her. However I am only in FL. right now for school and will be leaving on the 27 of this month. If a court date is set and I have to travel back to FL from NC can I make her pay the entire extra out of pocket expenses such as hotel, rental car, etc?

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

[judg4]

Normally you should call the police if you feel the event needed police attention; we unfortunately don't see the restaurant liable under these facts.