(20 September 2010 – USA) An American bank robber was convinced by staff to sit down and arrange a loan to help his financial problems.Mark Smith, 59, allegedly told bank workers in Watsonville California, that he had a bomb in his backpack and that he would detonate it inside the building unless he was given US$2,000.
But instead, Mr Smith was convinced by the bank manager to take a loan from the branch to solve his cash flow problems.
While Mr Smith waited patiently for the bank manager to retrieve loan paperwork, the manager simply called emergency services.
Quick-thinking staff kept the man calm and distracted him with some paperwork until emergency services arrived, Lieutenant Darren Thompson said.
Police arrested Mr Smith on suspicion of attempted robbery, as well as charges of making a false bomb report.
Mr Smith was not carrying weapons of any kind, Lieut Thompson added.