Former high school wrestler Gabriel Pitzulo used his skills to save a Subway employee from an enraged customer in Indianapolis. Pitzulo tackled the assailant, identified as Daniel Saunders, and held him down until police arrived. Pitzulo was on his lunch break when he entered the restaurant and saw the chaotic situation unfold. Saunders had allegedly thrown something at the female employee and spit on her in front of other customers.
Surveillance footage captured Pitzulo’s brave actions as he subdued Saunders on the ground while witnesses called the police. Despite the attacker’s struggles to break free, Pitzulo kept him pinned until law enforcement arrived three minutes later. Pitzulo shared that there were some verbal exchanges between him and the suspect but knew he needed to intervene to protect the Subway employee and maintain order in the situation.
When the police arrived, they allowed Pitzulo to handcuff Saunders, the man he helped apprehend. The officers praised Pitzulo for his bravery and quick thinking in stopping the attack. Pitzulo, who works as a welder and had not considered a career in law enforcement prior to this incident, hopes his actions will inspire other young men to step in when they witness violence or crime. He emphasized the importance of standing up for innocent people in their community.
Pitzulo has been sharing his story through interviews to encourage others, especially young men, to take action when they see wrongdoing. He highlighted the concept of toxic masculinity and expressed a desire to change the narrative by promoting a message of standing up for innocent individuals in their local neighborhoods. Saunders was charged with various offenses including battery resulting in bodily injury and disorderly conduct. Pitzulo’s quick and decisive response not only prevented further harm to the Subway employee but also serves as a reminder of the impact individuals can have when they choose to intervene in the face of injustice.
