A restaurant worker in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is being recognized for his swift action in breaking up a fight that erupted Monday afternoon at Boots and Sonny's restaurant. Hakeem LaPierre, 37, intervened when a customer began assaulting another patron.
The incident reportedly began when one customer stepped on the foot of another as the latter was leaving the establishment. Security footage captured the moment the altercation escalated, leading to punches being thrown.
According to LaPierre, who had been employed at the restaurant for two months, he saw a younger man attacking an older man, and no one else in the lobby moved to intervene. LaPierre stepped in, pulling the suspect away from the other customer. He stated that the victim's face was injured and his shirt was torn.
Other employees also attempted to stop the suspect. A police report detailed that the suspect then began hitting an employee behind the counter.
Gregory Tyricus Jacobs, 24, was arrested and charged with assault and battery. He was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center on a $2,344.44 surety bond.
Employees at the restaurant indicated that Jacobs had a history of causing disturbances. LaPierre told reporters that he acted without hesitation and that he possesses natural strength. He stated he does not seek a hero title, but acted as he would expect another person to act if their father or grandfather were in danger.
