Retiree with walker tasered after 'robbing bank'

A 77-year-old US retiree who gets around with the help of walker has spent the night in jail after he allegedly tried to rob at a bank at knifepoint.

Russell Cooper was tasered three times by police on yesterday afternoon after he approached a teller at a Florida bank armed with a knife and demanded money, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Cooper's journey to prison began when he arrived at Bonyton Beach's PNC Bank to ask why he was unable to access his account.

When Cooper was told that his account was closed due to a "consistent lack of funds" he reportedly became angry and confronted the bank manager in his office.

Cooper then produced a knife and forced the manager to accompany him to a teller where he demanded money, according to police.

The bank's security footage allegedly shows Cooper amble up to the teller with his walker as the bemused bank manager casually urges his employee to hand over the cash.

Cooper then allegedly gave the bank manager a choice — become his hostage or have his throat slit.

As the pair left the building a plainclothes police officer approached Cooper demanding he drop his weapon.

The bank manager escaped while Cooper was distracted, yelling at the officer "I'm not dropping it. I'm going to stick in you (expletive) gut!"

After a brief standoff two other officers arrived and tasered Cooper three times as he "advanced" towards them.

Cooper was arrested and has faces charges of kidnapping and robbery with a firearm.

Cooper's son Matthew said his father's financial problems may have pushed him to "breaking point".

"He's a very caring loving person who has had a very turbulent last few years with the death of his wife and people taking advantage of his good will," Mr Cooper said.

"But he's no criminal."

Cooper is being held on a $22,000 bail.

Source: Palm Beach Post

Author: Martin Zavan, Approving editor: Nick Pearson