FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WKRG) – Thomas “Mykel” Gordon started his shift at Chick-fil-A like any normal Wednesday – the 26-year-old from Florida had no idea his decisive action later that day was about to go viral.

“I was getting some orders done, taken out on the POS and I just heard a call for help and all I could do is respond as fast as possible,” said Gordon.

The suspect, William Branch, is charged with threatening a military wife and young child with a sharpened plank to steal their car in the parking lot.

Gordon instantly ran to the commotion and pulled William Branch out of the car.

“As soon as I arrived, I saw him trying to get into the vehicle. I just pulled him out and I put him in a headlock,” said Gordon.

Gordon kept Branch on the ground until deputies arrived on the scene. Witnesses recorded the incident and the video quickly went viral across the nation.

Gordon said the tackle was the second run-in he had with Branch. A moment earlier, Gordon said he ran him off from trying to steal a woman’s keys in the drive-thru line.

Branch did get a swing on Gordon, hitting him on his chin. The day-shift manager was back at work the next day serving sandwiches with a smile.

Gordon honored for his actions

Sheriff Eric Aden stopped by Gordon’s Thursday shift to present a challenge coin and community service award.

“What we say a lot of times is service is in our DNA. That’s our mantra, that’s our motto,” said Sheriff Aden. “You clearly have service in your DNA from the...

Read Full Story: https://www.kxan.com/news/chick-fil-a-employee-honored-for-saving-mother-chil...