Former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard took down a would-be robber at a gas station in South Florida on Friday, Coral Springs police say, and surveillance video released Tuesday shows how the incident unfolded.
Gaspard entered the Valero gas station on University Road to buy a drink when he was accosted by the suspect, identified as Jason Felix, according to a police report. Felix allegedly demanded Gaspard buy him a beer. When the pro-wrestler said “no,” the suspect pulled out a gun.
Gaspard asked the suspect, "Are you trying to rob me?" and lunged at the gunman, grabbing the weapon from him, police said. The former wrestler walked the alleged robber out of the store, then took him down in a body slam. Other customers helped detained Felix until police arrived.
Ana Benteado, the owner of the gas station, said she's glad Gaspard handled the situation.
[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More
"It's not a comfortable situation becuase we really got worried," Benteado said. She has owned the gas station for 14 years and said she's never seen anything like it.
Another customer who was inside the store wrote on Facebook, calling Gaspard a real-life hero and crediting him with saving her life.
Local
Felix was arrested and charged with robbery. It was later discovered that the weapon was an air-powered BB gun, police said. The suspect has since bonded out of jail; it wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Gaspard lives in Los Angeles but was visiting South Florida for the Paradise City Comic Con, which was held in Fort Lauderdale. He was released from WWE in late 2010, after a career that made him a member of the duo Cryme Tyme.
