Alexander remembers telling the criminal to get out of the store before his head was blown off, and he spent a moment between them. Finally, the thief walked away from the counter and headed for the door.

A long career in the military—a corrections officer, a private investigator, and four trips to Iraq—led to Alexander’s quick and cool reaction. He said that due to his extensive exposure to danger and weapons, the robber did not bother him much.

His expertise saved not only his own life, but the gunman’s as well, as Alexander stated that he couldn’t shoot the robber if his gun was pointed the other way. Jeannine Dawson, owner of the Beer 30 store where Alexander works, said she knew his background but was still stunned by his actions when she saw the surveillance video.