Brave KFC Worker Tackles Armed Thug After Refusing to Hand Over Phone

In this LifeZette article, staff writers highlight the heroism of 21-year-old KFC cook Markell Hitchings, who single-handedly tackled an armed robber in Florissant, Missouri after refusing to surrender his phone.

• Hitchings sensed danger when the suspect entered the restaurant, later confronting him behind the counter during the armed robbery of the manager.
• After the thief fled with cash, Hitchings pursued and refused to hand over his cell phone, sparking a fierce physical struggle near the drive-thru.
• Despite the gunman’s attempts to smash rocks over his head, Hitchings used a chokehold to subdue the suspect until police arrived.
• The robber, identified as Tamon Sleet, was arrested with a stolen firearm and cash; he faces multiple charges including assault and armed criminal action, and was already suspected in a recent rideshare attack.
• Hitchings credited faith and adrenaline, humbly noting he wouldn’t recommend the risk but thanked God for the outcome that protected his coworkers.
• The incident underscores rising violent crime and the courage of ordinary Americans unwilling to submit to thugs amid soft-on-crime policies.

Read the full story:
https://www.lifezette.com/2026/06/brave-kfc-worker-tackles-armed-thug-after-refusing-to-hand-over-phone-watch/