Veteran pummels man trying to rob gas station

The bandit walked into the Sugar Creek gas station in Mims wearing a bandana and purple latex gloves, demanding cash in what was likely to be a quick heist.

Instead, thewould-be robber came across a 34-year-old decorated army veteran who quicklywent into a tactical mode.

David Dick’s quickly reacted, first going along with the robber’s demands during the late evening heist and then turning and pummeling the suspect repeatedly until he retreated from the store.

“As soon as hewalked in, I started paying attention. The keywas to stay calm. I just went into a tactical mode because the threat was already there,” said Dick, whose actions were captured on a surveillance video that has gone viral in the wake of a series of robberies thatplaguedother convenience stores, mostly in south Brevard.

Itwas also the second time in less than amonth that a store clerk has fought back against would-be robbers.

On Jan. 13, Cocoa store owner Sowann Suy, shot an armed suspect attempting to rob him, police said. Suy told Cocoa detectives that a maskedmanwalkedinto to rob him at gunpoint when he pulled out his own firearm from behind the counter and shot one of the men.

And while Dick and Suy’s actions are not the typical response recommended by law enforcementspecialists, Brevard County Sheriff said the incidentmayhave left an impression on the robber. Dick said he served five tours of duty in Iraq.

— Florida Today