A 17-year-old high school senior in North Carolina, Ja’Neice Shamble, claims she was unjustly terminated from her job at Whistle Express Car Wash after defending herself during an attack on Sept. 14. Shamble alleges the altercation began when she and a coworker were dancing, provoking a woman across the street who subsequently harassed them and attacked Shamble.
Shamble stated she acted in self-defense after being struck multiple times. During the confrontation, her phone was taken, leading her to chase the assailant before contacting the police. Following the incident, she filed charges of simple assault and injury to personal property. Despite the circumstances, Whistle Express fired Shamble on the grounds that she should have called 911 rather than pursue the assailant, although the company’s phones were reportedly inoperable.
The company issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to a safe work environment and confirming Shamble’s termination was based on a review of the incident in accordance with their policies. Shamble hopes that her assailant, known to local police, will face consequences to prevent future harm to others, with the attacker expected to appear in court on Oct. 12.
