On March 22, Gabriel Pitzulo, a former high school wrestler, saved a Subway employee from an attack by an enraged customer in Indianapolis. Pitzulo happened to walk into the restaurant during his lunch break and saw the chaos unfolding as the customer, identified as Daniel Saunders, threw something and spit on the female employee. Pitzulo quickly sprang into action, tackling the assailant and holding him down until police arrived.
The incident was captured on surveillance footage, showing Pitzulo pinning the attacker to the ground while other witnesses locked the doors and called the authorities. Despite the attacker’s attempts to break free, Pitzulo maintained his hold for the three minutes it took for police to arrive. When law enforcement did show up, they allowed Pitzulo to handcuff the man he helped subdue, recognizing his bravery and quick thinking in the situation. Pitzulo, who works as a welder, had never considered a career in law enforcement but hopes to inspire others to intervene in violent situations.
Pitzulo emphasizes the importance of standing up for innocent people and taking action to protect those in need. He believes that young men, in particular, should not shy away from confronting violence or crime when they witness it. Pitzulo sees his actions as a way to challenge the notion of toxic masculinity and promote a narrative of stepping in to defend the vulnerable. By sharing his story with the media, Pitzulo hopes to inspire others to follow his lead and be proactive in protecting their communities.
The police charged Daniel Saunders with several offenses, including battery injury, battery resulting in bodily injury, and disorderly conduct. Pitzulo’s quick thinking and instinctive response to the situation were commended by law enforcement, who recognized his courage and resolve in coming to the rescue of the Subway employee. Although Pitzulo has not pursued a career in law enforcement, his actions that day serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of stepping in to help others in times of need. He hopes that his story will encourage others to take a stand against violence and stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.
