Police Called on Black Family Eating at Subway
Newnan, GA – The Dobson family, who stopped to eat at a local Subway in Newnan, Georgia, were unpleasantly surprised when police showed up and told them that someone made a complaint about them.
The Dobsons were traveling home to North Carolina from south Georgia with their children—aged 8, 12, 13, and 19—and the children’s aunt, and decided to grab something to eat. Apparently, an employee of the fast food restaurant called 911 because she thought the family looked “suspicious”—though, of course, they hadn’t done anything wrong.
During the 911 call, the employee reportedly said, “I need somebody to come through here please, ASAP. Now. There’s about eight people in a van, and they’ve been in the store for about an hour. They keep going back and forth to the bathrooms by my back door.” Her concern about the family of seven was also that they were putting water in soda cups from a purchase. When the police arrived and investigated the situation, one of the officers apologized to the Dobson family. He added that the employee got suspicious because they had been robbed before and she suspected the family would also rob her.
“I don’t think she ever felt threatened,” said Mr. Dobson.
“We can’t change our skin color and I have great kids and a great family. I have a 24-year old sister who’s a recent graduate of North Carolina A&T (State University). My daughter’s 19. She’s entering her sophomore year at Wake Forest University,” added Felicia Dobson.
Meanwhile, Subway franchise owner Rosh Patel sent a statement saying, “I take this very seriously, and I am fully investigating. I have also used this opportunity to reiterate to my staff the importance of making everyone feel welcome.” The owner apologized to the Dobson family and told them that the employee who called 911 is already on administrative leave.
