Bad day for bank robber as 61-year-old martial arts expert steps in
A 61-year-old martial arts expert who disarmed a hammer-wielding robber in a Black Country bank has been hailed a hero for his actions.
"Wrong time, wrong day."
That's what have-a-go hero Omi Bhatia told an unsuspecting bank robber after he wrestled a hammer away from him.
The crook certainly chose the wrong time to strike as standing at the counter being served was 61-year-old Mr Bhatia, an expert in martial arts.
The father-of-four took control of the situation as others around him panicked as the robber struck at Lloyds on Walsall Street, Wednesbury.
He approached the counter and demanded cash, which terrified staff began to hand over before Mr Bhatia acted, swiftly snatching the hammer from him.
The DIY shop owner, from Walsall, who has practised martial arts for almost 40 years, then ordered two other customers to sit on the offender until the police arrived.
Mr Bhatia has been hailed a hero for his actions and he said he had to do something as he feared someone might get hurt.
He said: "There would be no point in me doing martial arts if I am not going to do anything.
"I said sorry, wrong time, wrong day.
"If somebody had have got hurt - I didn't want that to happen."
Mr Bhatia, who runs Walsall DIY, on West Bromwich Street, told how he was being served when suddenly the hooded robber appeared at window holding the weapon aloft, having initially been standing in the queue.
He said: "I had my back to him, I was talking to the cashier, and I noticed him - I thought he might need a pen or something.
"He had a hammer in the air, close to my head. He said 'I need the money, give me the money'.
"She did give him the money, probably more than £300.
"I grabbed the hammer. I had to do it quickly, and safely."
The robber was the tripped by another customer and Mr Bhatia instructed two people to sit on him as frantic staff called 999.
Mr Bhatia said: "He didn't say anything. He kept his face on the floor."
Around 10 customers were in the branch as the man struck at around 9am on Thursday, April 27.
And the hero was welcomed when he went back to the bank the following day.
He said: "One of the staff gave me a big hug. All the cashiers said they were glad I was there."
