YUMA, Ariz. — Deputies credited a U.S. Marine Corps veteran Wednesday for disarming a would-be armed robber at a gas station in Yuma.
Officials with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at the Chevron gas station at 10747 E. North Frontage Rd.
Deputies said the veteran was able to detain the formerly armed suspect until authorities arrived. The suspect was described as a juvenile who has since been booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on one count each of armed robbery and aggravated assault. He was not identified by name.
An 8-second video released by deputies showed three people dressed in black enter the store just before 4:30 a.m. while the one at the front pointed a handgun at the store’s cashier. The veteran, who can be seen talking to the cashier moments before the would-be robbers walk in, turns and quickly disarms the armed suspect. His accomplices can be seen in the video swiftly scurrying away.
Authorities said the suspect’s accomplices remained at large after the incident. No injuries were reported.
Later asked how he was able to take control of the situation so quickly, the veteran told deputies, “The Marine Corps taught me not to (mess) around.”
Authorities continue to investigate.