84-year-old was drying clothes at a laundromat when a robber burst in demanding money—a pair of jeans saved his life
If you came across danger, you would use whatever is right next to you for safety and defense rather than looking for a viable option. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever used to defend yourself? It could not possibly have been clothing. An 84-year-old man, Ron Croker, was busy at the Coin-Op Launderette in Maltby, near Rotherham, when he faced a dangerous scenario, per BBC News. A robber caught him off guard and with his life at stake, the man had nothing to save himself. With only clothes around, he decided to use a pair of jeans and rescue himself. It worked out brilliantly.
The elderly man was drying a bunch of clothes at the laundry when a masked man rushed in and demanded money. It was around 7 am and the situation was unprecedented. Croker had no preparation and presumed that the man might have a knife or heavy weapon on him. "I was at the dryer putting my coins in when he smashed his way in and shouted, 'Give me your wallet,’” he recalled. However, he was adamant about not letting the robber get away. "I've worked all my life for my money. He's not having it," he said. Footage was shared of Croker all alone and engrossed in his laundry when the man came in from the door, per Inside Edition.
To Croker’s luck, he had a pair of light-washed jeans in hand. With astute and skillful thinking, he intertwined the jeans with the man’s hands, pushed him away and caused the robber to run out instantly. "I gave him an almighty shove and he went rolling into the road,” he remarked. The man reportedly left but returned shortly after when Croker was still alone and doing his laundry. Even then, the aged man swiftly and smartly pushed the man to the door. The second time too, the robber was frightened and left. Croker sustained a few scratches and light bruises during the struggle but thankfully had no other harm or loss.
The experience was an untoward one and left the aged man worried. He mentioned that he was “shaken” and “struggling to sleep.” “I do think about it when it's quiet at night. That's when the thoughts come. But I don't regret it,” he boldly said. All in all, the elderly man is glad to have tackled a criminal and made it to safety even in his advanced age. Carl Goodfellow started a fundraiser for Croker to offer some monetary help. "Let's spread some joy into this man's life and show him he is not alone,” he said. So far, £2,000 ($2587.95) has been raised for the man and he is grateful for the support received.
The police have arrested a suspect and plan to continue further investigation. Croker is loving the wishes and applause. He remarked, “It's like I'm famous all of a sudden. But I'm still me. I'm still Ron Croker.” @DR1F3R742 said, "Imagine robbing a laundromat just to get hit with a pair of pants." @josephfdent added, "Older man had nothing but heart and sometimes, that's all you need."