http://www.msnbc.com/local/whag/198664.asp
MARTINSBURG, WV AUGUST 1 - A Martinsburg man who wrestled a robber to the ground at a 7-11 store is now out of work. For what Antonio Feliciano did, most people would call heroic. His corporate bosses said he did wrong.
DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF JULY 14TH, Antonio was working at the 7-11 on Route 9 in Baker Heights when a masked woman came in holding a gun and demanded cash. “I grabbed the gun and pulled it behind her back and ripped it out of her hand and wrestled her to the floor and called police,” he said. It was for that action that the former 7-11 employee was fired.
“I thought right then we were going to die,” he said. “This lady has gone nuts and she’s just going to kill us.”
Corporate 7-11 said he violated company policy of confronting robbers and after reviewing the case, they fired him. “They said we can’t keep you, we’re sorry. Thank you very much. We’ll mail your check,” explained Feliciano.
He thinks the company policy is not in place for his safety. “I think the policy is there more to protect them more than anything else.”
With the expenses of two young daughters, not bringing home this paycheck is making things financially difficult. “We’re not rich, we’re not well off. We live paycheck to paycheck like most people do.”
7-11 issued a statement that said “he intervened inappropriately in the face of an armed robber and not only jeopardized his life, but the other two people in the store. He had signed off that he understood our policy that he was no to resist and the he was not to be a hero.”
“I understand the policy,” said Feliciano. “It’s a good policy, but when they (robbers) don’t leave and you fear for your life, what are you supposed to do? Lay down and die? I couldn’t do that.”
Antonio said he’s now in search for a job that fits his and his wife’s schedule.
MARTINSBURG, WV AUGUST 1 - A Martinsburg man who wrestled a robber to the ground at a 7-11 store is now out of work. For what Antonio Feliciano did, most people would call heroic. His corporate bosses said he did wrong.
DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF JULY 14TH, Antonio was working at the 7-11 on Route 9 in Baker Heights when a masked woman came in holding a gun and demanded cash. “I grabbed the gun and pulled it behind her back and ripped it out of her hand and wrestled her to the floor and called police,” he said. It was for that action that the former 7-11 employee was fired.
“I thought right then we were going to die,” he said. “This lady has gone nuts and she’s just going to kill us.”
Corporate 7-11 said he violated company policy of confronting robbers and after reviewing the case, they fired him. “They said we can’t keep you, we’re sorry. Thank you very much. We’ll mail your check,” explained Feliciano.
He thinks the company policy is not in place for his safety. “I think the policy is there more to protect them more than anything else.”
With the expenses of two young daughters, not bringing home this paycheck is making things financially difficult. “We’re not rich, we’re not well off. We live paycheck to paycheck like most people do.”
7-11 issued a statement that said “he intervened inappropriately in the face of an armed robber and not only jeopardized his life, but the other two people in the store. He had signed off that he understood our policy that he was no to resist and the he was not to be a hero.”
“I understand the policy,” said Feliciano. “It’s a good policy, but when they (robbers) don’t leave and you fear for your life, what are you supposed to do? Lay down and die? I couldn’t do that.”
Antonio said he’s now in search for a job that fits his and his wife’s schedule.