DEL REY OAKS - Outrage is spreading across not only the county, but the country, because Safeway suspended a local man for breaking up a fight.
It's a story you saw first and only on Central Coast News.
Ryan Young said he was working at the Del Rey Oaks store last month when he stopped a man from beating the guy's pregnant girlfriend.
Safeway suspended him for breaking company policy.
In an exclusive interview, Young said he's worried about money, especially since his wife is pregnant.
"I didn't really have much time to think. I reacted and did what I thought was right," he said.
Across the nation, people are sending e-mails and Facebook messages to get Young his job back.
"I think it's outrageous," said Carmel Bourne. "I think Safeway should be proud that they have somebody that's prepared to act like a hero in those circumstances."
"I would hope that the company would review what actually happened and take that into consideration," said Robyn Gomez.
That's what Young is hoping will happen.
On Wednesday, he remains suspended without pay for breaking Safeway policy.
When I talked exclusively with Young on Tuesday, he explained why he did it.
"if it was their wife or daughter who was being attacked, would they want someone to step in and help them?" he said.
Safeway said it's looking at surveillance video of what happened last month.
The Monterey County District Attorney's Office also has a copy to use as evidence.
It won't release the video.
But finally Safeway did send Central Coast News a statement: "Safeway is taking this matter seriously. We have store security video of the incident, and have been engaged in a careful and thoughtful forensic review of what transpired. There are two sides to every story, and we would ask that judgment be reserved. The matter is being handled through the union grievance procedure provided for in our labor agreement. We will be relying on the video and other relevant evidence as well as statements of eyewitnesses and other information to make a final decision. Beyond that, it is premature to comment on a personnel matter of this kind. The safety of our customers and employees is of paramount importance, and we appreciate the public's patience as we give the issue the time and attention that it deserves."
Defense Attorney Tom Worthington said Safeway and Young are in a difficult position.
"It's understandable that they would have a policy to try to keep their employees from getting involved because we don't want to just have no policy at all," he said. "But, on the other hand, how do you justify a policy that says just stand by and don't do anything?"
Now Young, and people across the country, hope Safeway does what most of you are calling the right thing.
"I should be reinstated to my job," Young said. "That's how I feel."
