Abilene woman honored by police after fighting off serial bank robber

ABILENE, Texas — An Abilene woman is being honored for protecting her co-worker by attacking a man now wanted for three bank robberies.

"One brave citizen, " said Police Chief Stan Standridge.

Jill Beatty, 60, was the first person to arrive at First State Bank on Sept. 24.

As she went to unlock the door, a man jumped out of the bushes with a gun and forced her inside.

She spent 15 minutes inside the bank, alone with the robber, before a co-worker arrived.

"She is a remarkable citizen. She showed remarkable calm. She never lost her head. She in fact negotiated with him," said Standridge.

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When her co-worker arrived, Beatty became a momma bear and attacked the bank robber.

During the struggle, police said the suspect hit her on top of the head with his gun. The gun came down, hit her glasses and cut her nose.

Police said because she attacked the robber, he left without any money.

For her bravery, Standridge presented Beatty with a "Certificate of Commendation" on Tuesday during National Night Out.

KTXS reached out to Beatty to ask her about her heroism. She declined comment.