called the n-word a few times b4 swinging
A brawl that erupted at a suburban Tampa Publix supermarket when a customer used a racial slur while ordering chicken wings was caught on tape and has been seen by thousands.
Leon Lightbody, 25, was arrested for simple battery after fighting with other customers at the Temple Terrace Publix deli, including the man who ordered the wings, according to WFLA-TV.
The incident happened Sept. 16 when a man identified as Raleigh Harris, 59, placed an order for chicken wings about 8:30 p.m. Witness Jessica Jordan told WFLA-TV that Harris was rude and used a racial slur toward one of the employees.
"Well I was in shock," said Jordan, adding that employees told Harris to back off because of his actions. "I was like, 'Ugh, great, rude people.' I just felt like he was kind of, um, loud and obnoxious."
"(Harris) got really outraged and told him to mind his f****** business and kinda threw the n-word in there a few times. The guy that was ordering chicken was like running around the deli being chased by these other customers," said Jordan.
Temple Terrace Police Capt. Greg Pauley told the Tampa Tribune that is when Lightbody confronted Harris, punching him multiple times. As the two fought and went to the floor, Publix employees tried to break up the fight.
Police said they don't know how the incident escalated into the fight and Pauley said the Publix employees appeared to be acting as peacemakers and probably wouldn't face any charges.
"(Publix is) disappointed in the behavior of those involved, but thankful no one was injured," said Brian West, a spokesman for Publix. "A couple of our associates placed themselves in harm's way attempting to break it up. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. The safety and well-being of our associates and customers is our first priority."
to video:
Publix Brawl Started by Chicken Wings Slur Caught on Video