logo
HomeReal Life
Tony Tovar Facing Down a Gunman at His Local Bar, 2019 | Source: YouTube.com/InsideEdition
Tony Tovar Facing Down a Gunman at His Local Bar, 2019 | Source: YouTube.com/InsideEdition

Bar Customer Sees Robber Pulling Gun on Him, Coolly Asks for a Beer - Surveillance Video Stuns Viewers

Junie Sihlangu
Aug 08, 2023
06:00 P.M.

A St. Louis resident left viewers stunned when he was recorded acting nonchalant during an armed robbery! The brave man urged others not to do what he did, including snatching his phone back when the gunman tried to take it.

Advertisement

On August 28, 2019, Tony Tovar, 57, became a viral sensation for how he handled a robbery at his local bar. While visiting the decades-old Behrmann's Tavern, a local St. Louis bar he frequented, Tovar and other patrons were held up in a robbery.

The robber, who was carrying a gun, ordered all the customers to hand over their cell phones and monies. While everyone fearfully complied, throwing themselves on the ground and handing over their items, Tovar did the complete opposite.

Tony Tovar calmy lighting up a cigarette while a gunman robs Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on a follow-up post uploaded on April 4, 2021 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Tony Tovar calmy lighting up a cigarette while a gunman robs Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on a follow-up post uploaded on April 4, 2021 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

While the robbers collected their spoils from the other patrons, Tovar, a mechanic, was seen unbothered in his bar seat. At one point, the gunman shoved his weapon into the side of the man's ribs and reached for his cell phone, but Tovar wasn't having it!

Advertisement

The video showed him grabbing his phone tightly before placing it before him. As the thief walked to the back of the bar, the brave customer lit a cigarette and watched the gunman ransack the establishment, looking for valuables.

The robber asked Tovar for his money, but he said he only had $2 reserved for his next drink! And when the thief began rummaging behind the counter, the mechanic asked him to get his drink since he was already "back there!"

Tovar was visited a year after the incident and revealed how he'd become famous in his neighborhood for how he handled the robbery. The man still had his calm demeanor while being interviewed at work.

How Did Tovar Feel While the Robbery Happened?

Tovar, who earned himself the title of the "World's Chillest Man," still frequents the bar where the robbery occurred. Speaking about the incident after it happened, he explained why he didn't act fearfully when facing possible death, saying:

Advertisement

"Sometimes you have to stand up to punks like that."

Tony Tovar speaking about August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Tony Tovar speaking about August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

The man, who works as a master mechanic, said he wouldn't allow some stranger to come and push him around at his neighborhood watering hole. After asking the robber to get him a beer from behind the counter, the criminal hilariously refused and told him to get his own!

Tovar's advice for other people who found themselves in the same situation was to "comply" if they weren't sure of themselves. One of the other patrons even revealed how proud they were of the patron, and he'd become a celebrity in his hometown, with people recognizing him in the streets and coming over to talk.

Tony Tovar at work speaking about August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Tony Tovar at work speaking about August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Advertisement

Leo Shakofsky, Tovar's boss, confirmed how chill his employee was while remaining a "conscientious worker" who cared about what he did. Tovar said he didn't take things too seriously as he'd had a lot happen in his life.

A fifth person noted how the brave man wasn't stupid as he'd advised others not to replicate his actions.

The YouTube clip from the robbery had almost 70,000 views in 2023, and nearly the same amount of people took time to share their thoughts. Most of the followers were left in awe of his calmness.

How Did the Viewers of Tony's Robbery React?

Responding to the YouTube clip put up by Inside Edition on September 4, 2019, one viewer called Tovar an "absolute legend" for his statement to the robber about the amount of money he had and what he planned to do with it.

Advertisement
A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Someone else hilariously thought the incident was "terrifying" for the robber but was happy the Tovar was fine. Another YouTube user said they would've bought him beers any day, while someone else said:

"What I love is that this sounds like the typical tall tale a drinking buddy could tell you, but this time there's video evidence about it being 100% true!"

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

Advertisement
A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fifth person noted how the brave man wasn't stupid as he'd advised others not to replicate his actions if they ever found themselves in a similar situation.

Advertisement
A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

A fan's comment on the video of Tony Tovar during August 2019's armed robbery at Behrmann's Tavern in St. Louis on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube/Inside Edition

The follower thought the mechanic was the type of person who didn't let other people "ruin his day" without consent and believed such situations were only seen in movies.

Subscribe to AmoMama on Google News!

Advertisement
Advertisement
info

news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.

Related posts