A Gold Coast tradie has been praised for his bravery after tackling a man who allegedly attempted to rob a service station while appearing to be armed.
Police allege a 24-year-old man from Robina entered the Hope Energy service station on Brisbane Road in Biggera Waters about 5.15am on Thursday, approached the counter and gestured that he had a weapon.
Murray Allen, a regular customer who had just ordered breakfast, said the man demanded cash and cigarettes while concealing what looked like a firearm beneath his shirt. Witnesses reported the suspect shouted for everyone to raise their hands.
That’s when Allen intervened.
CCTV footage shows him tackling the alleged offender from behind and pinning him to the ground.
A struggle followed before another male customer stepped in to help restrain the man.
Police arrived moments later and took the suspect into custody.
“I was sh*tting myself to be quite honest but he had to be stopped,” Allen told 7NEWS.
Although the man did not have an actual gun, police have charged him with attempted armed robbery.
No one was physically harmed during the incident.
Staff at the service station have since promised Allen his next breakfast will be on the house.
Despite being hailed a hero, Allen downplayed the praise, though he admitted the footage of his quick actions was “pretty impressive.”
“Oh, I’d have to give that a 9.5, mate,” he joked.
Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information or video footage to come forward.
Images: 7NEWS
