THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

A bank robbery attempt was foiled when the robber got more than he bargained for.

Customers in line Friday at Wachovia Bank on Citizens Parkway weren’t having it. Neither were the bankers.

Jermiah Booker, 24, of Safford was arrested and charged with robbery, second degree, after he attempted to take a customer hostage, and wound up cornered until police arrived.

He was taken into custody without further incident and jailed on $20,000 bond.

Police said Booker allegedly grabbed a customer, put an ink pen to his neck and demanded money.

The customer resisted, and got help from others in line.

Local bank officers declined comment.

Customers trying to cash and deposit checks during the bank’s busiest time of the month had to use the drive-up window because the lobby was closed. Several customers stared in disbelief after learning off the incident.

George F. Johnson of White Hall said it’s only going to get worse.

Angel Cordona said she wasn’t sure what to think.