FL - CCW holder stops bank robbery. 2nd incident w/video.

[Irish]

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/...y+bank+robbery

PALM BAY -- A 62-year-old off-duty security guard is being credited with thwarting an attempted bank robbery in Palm Bay this afternoon.

The attempted robbery occurred just before 2 p.m. at the Space Coast Credit Union at 150 Malabar Rd., not far from the Palm Bay Police Department headquarters.

“The robber was apprehended by a customer with a concealed weapons permit,” said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department.

The suspect, Floyd Francis, 23, was taken into custody after the off-duty security guard, identified as Rueben Torres, stepped out of the branch office and walked to the parking lot.

“I went to the car and got my weapon,” said Torres, who stopped off at the bank before heading to work. Torres then pulled his 9mm on the robber before he left the branch building.

“I guess it’s the New Yorker in me,” Torres said about his decision to get involved.

The suspect appeared apologetic before officers arrived and placed him in handcuffs, Rueben said.

He was taken to police headquarters for further questioning, officials said.

Bank staffers, including the tellers, gave Torres several hugs.

"Mr. Torres' actions, while not encouraged, are appreciated and were very courageous," Lt. Mark Renkens said in a statement. "He took action to stop a crime in progress and fortunately made a positive difference in the outcome."

A positive outcome and a courageous man, well done. However, there a few things I don't understand. You have a CC permit and you have to retrieve your gun from your car, why? Maybe that's the New Yorker in him, walking around defenseless?

[m4fun]

Excellent story - maybe he had to go back to the car because the bank had a "no guns" sign posted

[Irish]

Excellent story - maybe he had to go back to the car because the bank had a "no guns" sign posted

Good point, I don't know the gun laws in FL very well. When carrying concealed here in NV I'd ignore any sign and this is a prime example why.

[Robb Jensen]

Is some states the signs carry the weight of the law. Not so in some states. Here in VA regardless of signs you can carry in a bank. If discovered that you're carrying and you're asked to leave you had better leave. After that then you are in fact breaking the law by trespassing (misdemeanor).

[Irish]

Is some states the signs carry the weight of the law. Not so in some states. Here in VA regardless of signs you can carry in a bank. If discovered that you're carrying and you're asked to leave you had better leave. After that then you are in fact breaking the law by trespassing (misdemeanor).

Same as Nevada. I didn't consider the different state thing in my first post, oops!

[Alpha Sierra]

I'm not risking my life or my freedom for just the bank's money.

[bkb0000]

I'm not risking my life or my freedom for just the bank's money.

you risk yours, or theirs. your choice- but those are the only options.

[Alpha Sierra]

you risk yours, or theirs. your choice- but those are the only options.

Read my statement very, very carefully and try to think about what it means.

[M4arc]

Is some states the signs carry the weight of the law. Not so in some states. Here in VA regardless of signs you can carry in a bank. If discovered that you're carrying and you're asked to leave you had better leave. After that then you are in fact breaking the law by trespassing (misdemeanor).

"Oh, I didn't see the sign when I walked in. My bad."

[BadWolf88]

You have a CC permit and you have to retrieve your gun from your car, why? Maybe that's the New Yorker in him, walking around defenseless?

although I wont admit to anyone when and where I carry or dont carry, thats the New Yorker in me, I do have a few friends that carry but when going in to places such as a Bank or airport they leave their weapon in there car.

not saying I agree, just what they do!