ROCKFORD, Illinois — A Subway worker was suspended after video of her defending herself during an attempted robbery went viral.
The incident took place last Sunday morning at the restaurant located on East State Street in Rockford.
Araceli Sotelo was working alone that morning when a man with a gun walked in and demanded money.
A struggle between the two ensued and Sotelo said she used the robber’s small size against him and was able to get him to drop his gun during the scuffle.
Sotelo said the man did not get any money from Subway, but he did steal her purse and broke her phone.
Surveillance video from inside the Subway shows the entire incident and was posted online. Now, Sotelo says she was suspended from her job.
She said she received a call from her boss shortly after, telling her she would not be able to work until the video was completely wiped off from the internet.
“I get a call yesterday, it was like, ‘if every one of these videos are not taken offline you will be suspended,’ and then I texted them and I’m like ‘how long am I suspended for?’ They said till everything is removed online. I have no ability to do that,” Sotelo said.
She also said the owner is now ignoring her calls.
Subway representatives did not confirm whether Sotelo has been suspended, according to Fox News.
Instead, a spokesperson wrote: “We are deeply concerned about the recent incident at a franchised location in Rockford, Illinois. The restaurant owner and management are fully cooperating with the police investigation, and we request patience until that process is complete… Every restaurant is independently owned and operated. We are in contact with the franchisee to better understand the situation and assist as needed.”