Wally Beydoun

DETROIT – An off duty Wayne County Sheriff’’s certified reserve officer stopped a robbery at a Chase bank on Saturday afternoon.

Wally Beydoun entered a Detroit Chase Bank at 17733 W Warren Ave., near Southfield Freeway around 1:15 p.m.  on Saturday during his personal time, when he noticed suspicious activity was taking place.

Beydoun witnessed a Black male, about 6 feet tall and 250lbs, behaving in a bizarre manner. 

He also noticed that an Arab American bank teller had appeared shaken.

The suspicious male motioned for Beydoun to jump ahead of him in line. When Beydoun approached the bank teller, he asked her in Arabic if the bank was being robbed.

The bank teller quietly confirmed that the male suspect was committing a robbery. 

In Arabic, Beydoun told the Chase employee that he was an armed Wayne County Sheriff’’s officer and to stay calm and lock the doors.

The suspect, who attempted to flee the bank, was locked between two entry doors along with an unsuspecting elderly woman.

Beydoun remained silent and didn’’t engage with the suspect, who was unaware of what had occurred.

10 minutes later, the Detroit Police Department  arrived on scene and the suspect was arrested.

Chase Bank on Warren and Southfield.

The elderly woman emerged safely, expressing gratitude towards Beydoun.

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon told The Arab American News that Beydoun’’s bravery and swift thinking reflects the training of its officers on the force.

““He showed incredible calm as he addressed the problem he was confronted with and we are proud of him,”” Napoleon said.  ““It shows incredible awareness to recognize something was wrong and to give the opportunity for the clerk to convey the message to him.””

Wayne County Deputy Chief Mike Jaafar said the incident illustrates the importance of incorporating  minorities in police departments. 

““It’’s a testament to being a diverse police department and reflecting the community we serve,”” Jaafar said. “”The officer being able to communicate with the teller in Arabic worked in our favor to catch the criminal. They were able to speak to each other while the criminal didn’’t know what was going on.””

Jafaar noted that Beydoun and other reserve officers often volunteer their time to assist the Sheriff’s’ department during special events. 

““I commend these individuals that lead professional lives and do this on the side for us,”” Jaafar said. “”To volunteer your time means a lot to us. We are proud of the work they’ have done.””