With stories like these, I can’t help but wonder what I would do in the same situation. Let’s say I’m a shopkeeper. I’m behind the counter, minding my business. Next thing I know, two armed robbers burst in to take everything.

As much as I’d like to think I would quickly snap into action, the reality is I’d probably pee my pants. When someone has to be brave, I usually look around the room waiting for someone else to save the day. Not Dan Rigney. He’s the real deal.

He’s the owner of a shop in Queensland, Australia. Rigney was having a simple day at work scanning lotto tickets when he noticed two armed men approaching his shop. He didn’t start crying. He didn’t pee his pants. Instead, he grabbed a lighter and a can of bug spray to make a makeshift flamethrower. Definitely not something I’d think to do.

In the CCTV footage below, it’s clear that Rigney’s bravery is miraculous. One of the robbers even drops his weapon in shock. However, the second thief aimed his gun directly at Rigney and shouted threats while making for the cash register. Though the robbers persevered, stealing $680, Rigney was able to get the hell out of there unscathed.

As for the robbers, they were finally caught after several weeks on the run. A local resident called police after spotting them through a window. Within 13 minutes of police receiving the call, they were arrested and handcuffed. Both men were wanted for stealing cars, evading the police and burglarising businesses.

Believe it or not, the flamethrower episode wasn’t the first heroic deed of Rigney’s. In 2010 he chased an armed bandit down the road into the arms of waiting officers. Take note, criminals of Australia. Dan Rigney is one guy you don’t want to mess with.

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