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Ohio Circle K worker Kendrick Watson fired after shooting at masked robbers who rammed minivan into gas station
Kendrick Watson, a Circle K worker in Stow, Ohio, says he was fired after shooting at masked men who rammed a stolen minivan into the shop during an attempted robbery. He said he feared for his life and his co-worker’s safety; police confirmed he will face no criminal charges.
The incident happened at about 3.30 am on 2 November. Watson fired seven shots, hitting a getaway van, a petrol pump and a canopy support post. One suspect, 25-year-old Peirion D. Jackson, was arrested and charged with robbery, receiving stolen property and vandalism; at least three others escaped. Watson had worked at the store for six years and says his manager dismissed him because the company bans weapons. He has started a fundraiser while seeking another job.
In short
- Watson says Circle K fired him after the attempted robbery.
- He fired seven shots and will face no criminal charges.
- One suspect was arrested; at least three others escaped.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Watson says he feared for his life and his co-worker’s safety when masked men rammed a stolen vehicle into the shop, and police have said he will face no criminal charges. A sympathetic view is that an employee confronting an apparent violent robbery should be able to defend himself and others in an emergency, especially after six years of service.
The case against
A sympathetic view of Circle K’s decision is that a workplace weapons ban can help protect staff, customers and nearby people from gunfire, particularly at a petrol station where shots could damage equipment or injure someone. Even when an employee’s fear is understandable and no crime is charged, the company may reasonably enforce a safety policy and consider whether firing in those circumstances created additional risks.