TexasCHLforum.com

April 2, 2008

Support pours in for pizza driver

By JACQUELINE LEE
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

A Des Moines pizza delivery driver who was suspended after he shot an alleged armed robber last week said Tuesday that he has been overwhelmed by support from people who cheered what happened.

"But no one had contacted me directly about a job offer," said James William Spiers III, 38, who was suspended by Pizza Hut after he fired multiple shots at a man who allegedly put a gun to his head Thursday and demanded money at the Sutton Hill Apartments, 2100 S.E. King Ave.

The suspect, Kenneth Jimmerson, 19, was arrested when he later called for medical help. Jimmerson, who police say suffered at least three gunshot wounds, survived his injuries and faces a first-degree robbery charge. Melanie Stout, 18, who allegedly called in the pizza order, is charged with conspiracy.

Spiers said it was the first time in 10 years on the job that he had been a robbery victim.

"Anytime you're involved in delivery, I suppose you're an easy target," he said. "But crime is random, and it can happen to anybody."

Spiers, who has a valid handgun permit, said he's been "pretty much in the dark" about his job since the incident. Vonnie Walbert, vice president of human resources at Pizza Hut's corporate offices in Dallas, said last week that employees are not allowed to carry guns "because we believe that that is the safest for everybody."

"I just know that, given what happened, it's not likely I'll have a job anyway," Spiers said. "Right now, I'm just taking some time off, trying to cool things down."

Spiers declined to elaborate on what he called "gross inaccuracies" in media coverage of the incident. "I can't correct them right now. It's not wise for me to talk about the case with the ongoing investigation and all."

Police said that when officers arrived, Spiers had both handguns, and the wounded robber had fled.

"The incident wasn't something quick and simple. ... I did not just take the gun out of the guy's hand and shoot him with it. It was a long ordeal, or it felt like it," Spiers said. "My life was, without a doubt, in danger. I wouldn't have shot anybody if I didn't think my life was in danger.

"In my circumstance, there was no way out."