MMA fighter chases thief and stops bank robbery in the USA

Eric Haritakis captured a suspect in several bank robberies in the Tampa Bay region. Photo: Reproduction

An MMA fighter was the hero who prevented a bank robbery in the city of Tampa Bay, in the state of Florida (USA).

Eric Haritakis, professional athlete and jiu-jitsu teacher, was waiting in line at a bank branch when he heard one of the employees warn about a fugitive who had robbed the place. Without thinking twice, Eric chased the robber, captured him and kept the offender detained, tied with tape, until the police arrived.

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On the North American channel “FOX13”, Haritakis commented on what happened and explained his reaction. “I really don't know what I was thinking at that moment. I just went after him. I figured if he had a gun, he probably would have drawn it by that point. I just waited for the right time and applied a drop to him,” he said.

What Haritakis didn't know was that the man he had captured was responsible for no fewer than eight other bank robberies in the region. Michael Jon Neubecker, 31, is now in prison, thanks to the fighter's intervention.

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Despite saving the day in Tampa Bay, Eric Haritakis doesn't have much to be proud of when it comes to his professional MMA record. The “bench hero” only has two fights on his record, the last of which was in 2009, and in both of them he ended up defeated.