ERIE, Pa. — A McDonald’s worker who tipped off police to the whereabouts of the Facebook murder suspect is being lauded a hero on social media.
People quickly took to Twitter, saying that the worker deserved the $50,000 reward for finding and helping lead to the apprehension of Steve Stephens Tuesday.
Police said Stephens, 37, killed 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. in Cleveland Sunday, then posted video of the horrific crime on Facebook.
A multi-state manhunt ensued, and there was no sign of Stephens until Tuesday at a little after 11 a.m. Thomas DuCharme Jr., the owner of an Erie McDonald’s, said a worker there recognized Stephens as he came through the drive-thru.
The worker alerted the supervisor and owner. DuCharme went to the window and was trying to stall the suspect while the police were called.
Stephens eventually took off, and after a brief chase with police, shot and killed himself.
On Monday, authorities announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Stephens’ arrest. Police have not yet confirmed that the tipster was a McDonald’s worker. Or if the person would be eligible for the $50,000.
Social media feels the worker should be rewarded, but we may never know who actually gets the reward.
FOX 8’s Gabe Spiegel spoke to the director of the board of Crime Stoppers who told him the beauty of giving tips to police is remaining anonymous. That’s why they never make that information public.
https://twitter.com/_crookd/status/854724520640258048
Why is it a debate if these McDonald's employees get the reward or not?! THEY HELPED GET A MURDERER OFF THE STREETS
— Lamar J 🦅🦅🍻 (@Lamar28) April 19, 2017
There should be no question that the McDonald's employees get the $50,000 reward for turning him in, & I will throw @VansWarpedTour tickets
— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) April 19, 2017
The McDonald's worker that recognized #stevestephens deserves the reward money… @RickeySmiley @CNN @WCCBCharlotte @MorganFogarty
— MtnDew4Life (@MtnDew4Life1) April 19, 2017
Never judge someone for where they work. A McDonald's employee tipped off police to catch steve stephens. They deserve the 50,000 reward.
— RyansAverageLife (@RyanAbe) April 18, 2017
I hope The Girl at @McDonalds gets her 50K reward. She deserves it, and working at McDonald's, she needs it too. #SteveStephens
— ℒaiℒa 🌹🇩🇰 (@Dittolaila) April 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/take_bringer/status/854446690052517889
DuCharme released the following statement to FOX 8 Tuesday evening:
“I’m thankful for the quick actions of my crew members to identify the suspect and commend the authorities for their efforts in informing the public of this individual. The entire McDonald’s family’s thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic situation.”
