Starbucks Employee Fired After Defending Against Robbers

Newly released video shows a Starbucks employee confronting two robbers at a store in St. Louis. Michael Harris claims this action led to his dismissal from the company.

In December 2023, Harris and a colleague faced men attempting to rob their workplace. Local news outlet Fox 2 reports that the incident has now gained attention due to new footage. The video captures the chaos as the robbers demanded money. One suspect pushed an employee to the ground, while a drive-through customer quickly reversed their car upon recognising the unfolding situation.

Harris recounted that one robber hit him with what he believed to be a real gun. However, he soon discovered that the weapon was fake after his colleague confronted the suspect. Together, they attempted to defend their store and manage the situation.

While one robber escaped, Harris and his coworkers managed to hold the other until police arrived. The suspects were later convicted of robbery. Harris has since filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination, and his case is set to go to trial next summer.

Starbucks expressed concern about the incident, stating they are relieved that neither employees nor customers were seriously injured. A company spokesperson highlighted that their training encourages de-escalation in such situations to reduce risks. They emphasised the importance of following safety protocols to protect everyone involved.

How much do you know?

In which city did the robbery incident involving Starbucks occur?

Chicago

St. Louis

New York

Los Angeles

What did Michael Harris claim about his dismissal from Starbucks?

He was promoted

He retired

His action during the robbery led to his dismissal

He took a leave of absence

What type of weapon did one robber use during the Starbucks incident?

Real gun

Fake gun

Baseball bat

Knife

What did the drive-through customer do upon recognizing the robbery?

Called the police

Ignored the situation

Reversed their car

Exited the vehicle

What legal action has Michael Harris taken following his dismissal?

Filed for unemployment

Sued for wrongful termination

Gone to arbitration

Requested a review

What did Starbucks emphasize in their response to the incident?

They will increase employee wages

They hope for more robberies

They prioritize de-escalation and safety protocols

They support aggressive confrontation

Michael Harris was injured during the robbery incident.

True False

One suspect escaped while another was held until the police arrived.

True False

Starbucks has stated they are happy with the way the incident was handled.

True False

Harris and his colleague decided to confront the robbers together.

True False

The video capturing the robbery incident was released in January 2023.

True False

Starbucks encouraged employees to act aggressively in dangerous situations.

True False

Michael Harris claimed that his action led to his from Starbucks.

The robbery incident received attention due to newly released .

The robbers demanded during the incident.

Starbucks highlighted the importance of following safety .

Harris and his coworker managed to hold one robber until arrived.

Michael Harris expected his case to go to trial in .

This question is required