Reporter: Are we live? Okay, thanks. [...] Mall Security Guard, you’re here
because the clock recently started counting down on your fifteen minutes of
fame because of a daring rescue you executed after encountering a victim you
caught shoplifting under duress. Is this an accurate summary?
Mall Security Guard: That’s right. I would say I got about five minutes left
on my fame clock.
Reporter: Why would you say that?
Mall Security Guard: Well, I would say a minute, but the investigation is
ongoing, so it won’t be over until that’s over.
Reporter: The investigation into the criminals you helped apprehend, or the
investigation into your involvement?
Mall Security Guard: The latter. Obviously, I am a security guard...or
rather, I was. I don’t have the authority to arrest people, investigate
crimes, or pursue suspects. The real police are currently investigating me,
and if they choose to press charges, I’ll have to go to court, and I could
be facing jail time.
Reporter: Jail time, really?
Mall Security Guard: My lawyer says that’s unlikely, because no one got hurt
after I became involved; not even the suspects. I did technically break the
law, though, and the judge may want to make an example out of me. That’s a
long ways off, though. There are still a lot of steps before we get to
sentencing, if it even comes to it.
Reporter: What have you been doing in the meantime? Are you still working at
the mall?
Mall Security Guard: I am indeed working at the mall, but I’m not working
for the mall. I’ve been put on unpaid suspension, but janitorial services at
Hillside Mall is run by a contractor. I’m holding a position with them, and
still eating lunch with my old crew. Theoretically, the mall could ban me
from the premises until the investigation is over, but they haven’t done
that. They’re not proud of what I did, but they’re not actively working
against me either.
Reporter: Has your life become harder after the incident? You got a new job,
but I imagine it pays less, and it’s not what you really want to do.
Mall Security Guard: Eh, it’s okay. It doesn’t pay much less, and I can’t
complain. I know a lot of people are out of work right now, so I still count
myself lucky. I recognize the awkward position the executive leadership is
in.
Reporter: Have there been any other negative effects because of what
happened?
Mall Security Guard: Not really. I mean, the kidnappers are none too happy
with me, but they don’t hold much sway on society right now. The community
has been really supportive, though, so that’s not great.
Reporter: How is that not a good thing?
Mall Security Guard: Well, vigilantism is illegal. It helps that I was in a
public safety position, but it hurts my case that people have been so
supportive. The local government doesn’t want a bunch of costumed
superheroes running around, gathering fans, and putting themselves, and
others, in danger. They don’t want to encourage this behavior, so they would
rather the story just kind of go away.
Reporter: I see. So what’s next for you, assuming you don’t end up going to
jail? Will you go back to being a security guard?
Mall Security Guard: Oh, no doubt. If Hillside doesn’t rehire me, I’ll find
someone who will, even if that means I have to move. It’s in my blood to
protect people. I just have to be careful about how exactly I go about doing
that. I’ve learned my lesson in that regard.
Reporter: Well, thanks for talking to us. I appreciate your time.
Mall Security Guard: No, thank you.
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