A take-out owner in New Zealand foiled an armed robbery by simply ignoring the thief in question.
“The robber was very confused by my behaviour” Said Ahmed told the Guardian of his actions that confused and eventually led to the armed man leaving his shop in the city of Christchurch. “He wanted to scare me but I wasn’t scared, so I took away his power” said Ahmed, who is originally from Egypt.
In footage of the incident that took place on July 9 in Christchurch, Ahmed is seen preparing a chicken souvlaki for a waiting customer as the robber brandishes a gun. He then serves the customer before turning his back and walking away from the robber.
“I passed the customer his food because I wanted him to leave the shop and not be in any danger” Ahmed said. “My heart was beating quickly, I was scared, but I wasn’t going to show him that. That is why my nature is cool. I have been 20 years here and never seen any fighting. In Egypt it happens every day but in New Zealand I am calm because it is a safe country.”
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com