Would-be robber talked out of California bank heist: ‘Right words and the right time’
Police officials were commending a customer who persuaded a man not to rob a Bank of the West branch Monday morning in Woodland.
The “tense situation” unfolded at the Bank of the West at 186 Main St., where the 43-year-old man entered with a plan to allegedly commit a bank robbery, according to the Woodland Police Department.
The suspect handed a note to one of the tellers. Police said the note indicated he was robbing the bank, and he claimed he had a gun.
A “quick-thinking and brave” customer began speaking with the suspect, de-escalating the situation by “calming him and encouraging him not to rob the bank,” police said.
The customer’s “words of wisdom worked,” and the suspect changed his mind and left the bank, according to the Police Department.
Officers arrested the suspect as he exited the bank, and was booked at the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of attempted robbery. There was no indication from police that the suspect brandished a gun during the incident.
“Right words and the right time,” police said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to the very brave good Samaritan who delivered the right message that made a difference.”
