NOPD: Applicant helps stop robbery during Popeyes job interview in New Orleans East

A teenager interviewing for a job at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen may have won the entire staff over Saturday when he helped stop a robbery in New Orleans East. While officers were en route to the scene, they were informed by dispatch that the subject was being held down by employees and the potential future employee, an 18-year-old job applicant. During the teen's job interview with the manager at the restaurant on 8700 Chef Menteur Highway, a man grabbed an unknown amount of money from the register when the clerk was giving him his change, police said. The assistant manager then grabbed the robber's arm, which led to a brief struggle.The suspect was identified as Pablo Ciscart.Ciscart was able to pull away and head for the door. But the manager was nearby and used her body to block the exit.When Ciscart attempted to push the manager out of the way, the teen job applicant grabbed the suspect from behind in a reverse bear hug, police said. Ciscart then surrendered, dropping the cash on the floor. Police said Ciscart admitted he committed the crime. He also had a warrant from St. Bernard Parish for a similar crime.Ciscart was taken to Central Lockup and booked with simple robbery and fugitive attachment.The incident happened just after 1 p.m.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

A teenager interviewing for a job at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen may have won the entire staff over Saturday when he helped stop a robbery in New Orleans East.

While officers were en route to the scene, they were informed by dispatch that the subject was being held down by employees and the potential future employee, an 18-year-old job applicant.


During the teen's job interview with the manager at the restaurant on 8700 Chef Menteur Highway, a man grabbed an unknown amount of money from the register when the clerk was giving him his change, police said.

The assistant manager then grabbed the robber's arm, which led to a brief struggle.

The suspect was identified as Pablo Ciscart.

Ciscart was able to pull away and head for the door. But the manager was nearby and used her body to block the exit.

When Ciscart attempted to push the manager out of the way, the teen job applicant grabbed the suspect from behind in a reverse bear hug, police said.

Ciscart then surrendered, dropping the cash on the floor.

Police said Ciscart admitted he committed the crime. He also had a warrant from St. Bernard Parish for a similar crime.

Ciscart was taken to Central Lockup and booked with simple robbery and fugitive attachment.

The incident happened just after 1 p.m.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.

Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!