Oklahoma 7-Eleven Clerk Fired After Shooting Attacker Who Tried to Strangle Her Over Counterfeit $100 Bill
OKLAHOMA — A 7-Eleven clerk who defended herself during a violent attack inside the store has been fired from her job after using her personal firearm to shoot a man who tried to strangle her.
The incident involved former clerk Stephanie Dilyard, who says she was attacked by a customer after refusing to accept a counterfeit $100 bill as payment for ice cream, beef sticks, and burritos.
Terrifying Attack Inside the Store
Dilyard told FOX25 News that the suspect, identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson, became violent after she refused the fake bill.
“He threatened me and said he was gonna slice my head off. When I tried to call the police, he started throwing things at me and came behind the counter,” Dilyard recalled. “I tried to run off, but he grabbed his hands around my neck and pushed me out of the counter space — that’s when I pulled out my gun and I shot him.”
According to police, Thompson ran a few blocks away after being shot, then called 911 himself before being hospitalized.
Company Fires Clerk Despite Self-Defense Law
Although Dilyard’s actions are protected under Oklahoma’s self-defense law, 7-Eleven terminated her employment shortly after the incident. The company claimed she violated store policy by using her personal firearm while on duty.
“I was just trying to save my life,” Dilyard said. “He told me he was going to kill me — I’m always going to choose my life.”
Police confirmed that Thompson was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Assault and battery by strangulation
- Threatening acts of violence
- Attempting to pass a counterfeit bill
- Violating parole
Community Outrage and Legal Debate
The case has sparked public outrage, with many calling Dilyard’s termination unjust given that her actions were legally justified under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law. Supporters argue she acted bravely in the face of mortal danger and should not be punished for protecting herself.
Legal experts note that corporate policies can conflict with self-defense laws, leaving employees in difficult positions when facing violence at work.
“It’s a gray area,” said one attorney familiar with workplace firearm cases. “Legally, she’s in the right — but employment law allows private companies to set restrictions, even when lives are at risk.”
Suspect’s Criminal Background
Court records show that Thompson had a felony warrant for parole violation prior to the incident. Authorities stated he was under the influence during the altercation and attempted to pay for food with counterfeit cash.
He remains in custody while awaiting trial.
A Larger Conversation About Worker Safety
The situation has renewed debate over employee safety policies in convenience stores, where clerks often face armed robberies, assaults, and counterfeit scams.
Many are now questioning whether corporations should reconsider firearm bans for employees who work late-night shifts alone.
Residents in the community have launched online petitions demanding that 7-Eleven reinstate Dilyard or revise its safety policy.
For continued coverage of this developing case, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
