WYANDOTTE (WWJ) - Two residents are being praised for their heroic actions after they were able to disarm a gunman at a Downriver Tim Horton's last week, officials announced.
Wyandotte police said Anita and Brian helped prevent a potentially tragic incident from unfolding when they both stopped a local coffeehouse and restaurant on Jan. 25.
As they entered the busy building, the pair noticed a man who appeared to be in the midst of a mental health crisis. Police said Anita began speaking to the man in an effort to calm him while Brian asked an employee to call for medical help.
What the two citizens did not know was the man was not in a mental health crisis, but was under the influence of crystal meth and was armed with a gun, police said.
"[He] had a loaded firearm concealed in his pocket with an extra magazine full of ammunition and had gathered at the busy restaurant with possible malicious intentions," the department added.
Anita and Brian were not aware of the danger until the man pulled the gun out and put it in the table while he continued to act irrationally.
Police said the two citizens "suppressed their fear" and acted.
Anita distracted the suspect by continuing to speak with him in a soothing tone, taking his attention off the weapon. As she talked, Brian was able to reach for the gun, removed it from the table without the man noticing and walked toward the front door.
At the same time, a police officer -- the first on scene -- had just pulled up.
Officials said without Anita and Brian's quick thinking and intervention, the day could've ended in tragedy.
"We learned that the man had stolen the firearm and acquired ammunition somewhere else by unknown means before entering the restaurant that day," officers said.
The suspect was taken into custody and arraigned on five felony charges, including Firearm - Possession by a Felon, Ammunition - Possession by a Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearm and Habitual Offender - 2nd Notice.
"We will never know what would have happened that day," the department added, "but what we do know is that the brave actions displayed by Anita and Brian ensured the safety of everyone there. And, our agency is extremely grateful for their actions!"