Austin Man Attempts Pizza Restaurant Robbery
AUSTIN, Texas – In a surprising turn of events, a 19-year-old man identified as Richard Curtis attempted to rob a local pizza restaurant but was quickly overpowered by the employees on the evening of October 10.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported that the incident unfolded around 7 p.m. at Marco’s Pizza, located near the intersection of William Cannon and Westgate. According to police reports, Curtis entered the restaurant and handed a note to an employee which read, “don’t say s*** empty the drawer.” This alarming demand was accompanied by a visible weapon as he showed a gun that he had tucked into his waistband.
Employees Take Action
The situation took an unexpected turn when one of the employees, showing remarkable bravery, decided to tackle Curtis. The employee managed to grab him and put him in a chokehold. While this struggle was occurring, a second employee quickly dialed 911 to alert the authorities.
In the midst of the chaos, the restaurant manager acted decisively. He attempted to seize the weapon from Curtis during the scuffle. According to an affidavit from the Austin Police Department, the manager’s first attempt to fire the gun failed, as it did not discharge. Undeterred by this setback, the manager resorted to beating Curtis with the gun handle before going to the kitchen to grab a knife.
Critical Moments
As tensions escalated, the manager confronted Curtis with the knife, asking him a life-altering question: “prison or death?” At this point, Curtis, realizing the precariousness of his situation, chose the option of prison. He ceased fighting and complied, waiting for the police to arrive.
Aftermath and Takeaways
The confrontation did not come without consequences. One employee sustained a head injury during the struggle and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no other serious injuries were reported.
Richard Curtis has since been charged with aggravated robbery following the incident. The swift actions of the employees at Marco’s Pizza undoubtedly prevented a potentially more dangerous situation. Their courage in the face of threat underlines the importance of quick thinking and solidarity among coworkers in tricky circumstances.
Community Response
The community reaction has been mixed, with many praising the employees for their bravery while others express concern over the rise of violent crime in local businesses. The incident has sparked conversations on safety measures and preparedness for employees who may face similar threats in their workplaces.
As news of the attempted robbery spreads, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of day-to-day life and how essential it is for individuals to remain vigilant. Incidents like this highlight how the quick response of ordinary people can lead to positive outcomes, even in the direst of situations.
As for Richard Curtis, he is currently behind bars awaiting his day in court, where he will face the legal consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, the Marco’s Pizza team will continue to serve their community, undoubtedly with some newfound wisdom about safety and teamwork.
