Diablo’s break-in goes viral; owner offers suspect job application
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Facebook post about a break-in at Diablo’s Wheeler Road location is making the rounds on social media.
The post, made by restaurant owner Carl Wallace, claims a person broke into the restaurant around 4 a.m. Saturday morning. The post includes a photo of the front door smashed in and what looks to be surveillance footage of the suspect.
In a unique twist, Wallace invites the burglary suspect back to the restaurant to fill out a job application.
“Instead of having the normal response of being angry, we decided to reach out, and say this is a bad career path that you’re on, and we’re willing to offer you a job if you’re willing to change what you’re doing in life,” he said.
Wallace then offers his personal cell phone number and tells the suspect he will not call the police nor ask questions.
And beyond support on social media, some people came by to show support for the restaurant in person.
“I saw a Facebook page on Connect Augusta, and I thought it was probably one of the best things that I had ever read,” said customer Cher Best. “So as a result of what I read and the compassion, that was part of that Facebook post, I wanted to support the business.”
Wallace says although the robbery didn’t get away with any money, things could have been much worse.
“They’re risking so much every time they do this: to the business owner, to themselves, or what could happen if the police show up during the process of the break in,” he said.
He says in light of it being Easter weekend, he felt it was necessary to show a little forgiveness. And those who visited his restaurant agree.
“One phrase that my mom always said that I hold dear, is ‘it’s a blessing to be a blessing’ and that’s exactly what he was,” said Best.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, the Facebook post had been shared nearly 3,000 times.
News 12 reached out to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to see if a police report has been filed.
Meanwhile, the owners of Doughboy’s tells us they also had a break in a few weeks ago, and they tell us they think the robberies were related. They say the robber only got away with some loose change that was in the register.
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