Man taken down by good Samaritans after snatching cash from woman at bank, police say

Incident reported Monday at Wells Fargo Bank in Pinecrest

PINECREST, Fla. – A man was taken down by a group of good Samaritans after he snatched $1,540 in cash from a woman at a bank in Pinecrest, authorities said.

The incident was reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Wells Fargo Bank branch at 11765 Pinecrest Parkway.

Pinecrest police said Brian James Kleb, 40, snatched the money from the victim, who was at the counter, elbowed her and ran out of the bank.

Surveillance video shows the victim and three bank employees running after the thief.

Police said Kleb was held down by two nearby construction workers and the bank employees until police arrived.

"I see the guy running toward us and I say, 'That guy stole something,'" one of the good Samaritans, Henry Marinello, said. "I haven't exercised in 20 years, but I reach him and I grab him, stop, turn around and very calmly say to him, 'Just stop running.'"

Marinello said the thief dropped the cash and kept running, but was quickly pinned down by the good Samaritans. 

Kleb was taken into custody less than two minutes after police received the call for help, authorities said.

He faces one count of robbery by sudden snatching.

Authorities said Kleb was on probation for armed robbery and burglary to a residence at the time of his arrest.

His prior arrests date back to 1999 and include charges of DUI, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and marijuana possession.

Police arrest robber within two minutes.

Man who reportedly snatched $1540 cash from a woman at a bank was taken down by good Samaritans and in police custody within two minutes. Brian James Kleb (DOB 11/25/1977) reportedly snatched the money, elbowed the victim and ran out of the bank. He was followed by three bank employees who helped two nearby construction workers pin him down until police arrived. For more details, please visit http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/press-releases. #Pinecresting

Posted by Pinecrest Police Department on Tuesday, July 17, 2018

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.