Ex-Marine stops robbery by hitting gunman’s hand and tackling him to ground

Striking footage shows the moment a US Marine Corps veteran successfully halted an armed robbery at a petrol station in Arizona.

Two suspects can be seen entering the gas station in a video released by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. One of the suspects is wielding a gun, which he is pointing at the individual, later identified as James Kilcer.

Kilcer lunges out and grabs the gun with one hand while swinging a white plastic bag with other possessions with the other.

His instinctual move caused the bag to collide with the robber’s face, sending both suspects crashing to the floor. As the video ends, the second unarmed suspect is seen rushing out the gas station entrance.

Kilcer’s brave response has gone viral on social media, with the video garnering countless views on Twitter and Facebook.

Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter

According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 20, at a Chevron in Yuma, and involved three people, one of whom was equipped with a weapon.

James Kilcer at the petrol station before the robbers enteredPhoto courtesy of Yuma County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

When Kilcer intervened and disarmed the armed man, authorities said he was "pointing the weapon toward the cashier."

The other two suspects fled the area when they witnessed their fellow criminal stopped. The customer was able to detain the suspect he disarmed until law enforcement arrived,” wrote the Yuma County Sheriff’s office in a Facebook caption.

James Kilcer hit the gunman’s hand and tackled him to the ground Photo courtesy of Yuma County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

The armed robbery and aggravated assault suspect was ultimately identified as a juvenile and put into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center.

His two accomplices have yet to be apprehended, despite the fact that the inquiry is still underway. Thanks in part to Kilcer’s efforts, no more injuries were reported.

"The Marine Corps taught me not to [mess] about," Kilcer told the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office when asked how he was able to handle the situation so calmly.

Kilcer, who served in Afghanistan and now works for the Department of Defense as a contractor, told ABC15 that he was heading to work when the event occurred as he was leaving the petrol station.

He informed the news organization that as soon as he saw the pistol, his instincts stepped in.

“I picked my target and said that’s the one I’m going for and he took an extra step towards me, towards the counter and he was in my reach."

The 32-year-old also noted that he hit the suspect and the gun before his "keys hit the ground."

"That’s how fast I moved - and I’m a little chubby guy.”

People on social media commended his expertise and bravery in the situation.

“Excellent takedown... I applaud this former marine for his quick thinking and action. Moral.... Don’t assume that just because you have a gun everyone will cower in the corner.. Good job... Semper Fi

“True hero. Way to go, Marine,” another added.

A third wrote the following: “Go MARINES - this is why America is great, because of the men and women that served to protect. They never stop !”

Indy100 reached out to James Kilcer and Yuma County Sheriff Police for further comment.