An unyielding bar owner in France foiled an armed robbery on 15 April, even while carrying a patrons baby. CCTV footage of Nathalie Leclerc-Pelans bar, based in the commune of Champ-du-Boult, Normandy, shows the woman conversing with customers and carrying an infant, when a masked man brandishing a handgun comes through the door.
Leclerc-Pelan can be seen calmly giving the child back to its mother before turning to confront the man, who hands her a bag. An argument ensues, resulting in Leclerc-Pelan physically fending off the robber, hitting him with his own bag. Other patrons of her bar, named Le Bocage Normand, join in the altercation wielding bar stools, before he runs off.
The bar owner told local media she initially thought the man was a prankster and seemed to be panicking while he was demanding money. I acted reflexively, she said. I have a temper and am not used to yielding easily.
Authorities have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection to the incident. A French prosecutor told media the man was found in possession of a handgun, but it was only armed with blank cartridges.