MMA Fighter 1, Bank Robbery Suspect 0

A mixed martial artist with a colorful stage name is getting the credit for stopping a bank robbery suspect in his tracks.

Eric the “Ginja Ninja” Haritakis was in the right place at the right time last Friday to stop a crime as it unfolded. Deputies say he chased a robbery suspect as he came out of a Largo bank, caught up with him and with the help of another witness managed to hog tie him with duct tape until law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The crime in question unfolded around 12:46 p.m. May 15 at Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, 10801 Starkey Road, in Largo. The suspect, later identified as Michael Jon Neubecker, 31, is accused of entering the bank, handing the teller a demand note and then fleeing the scene with cash in hand, according to a probable cause affidavit.

When Neubecker left the bank, however, Haritakis, who saw the crime happen, chased him down, the report said. He was assisted by another witness.

“Wow … Chasing down and choking out the bank robber when you’re just trying to make a deposit will really wake you up,” Haritakis, a Clearwater resident, wrote on his Facebook page after the incident. “Yep that just happened.”

See Also:

• ‘Shawshank’ Fugitive Leaving Florida for Ohio
• Sleepy Burglar Caught Snoozing on Couch
• Mom Asks Court to Block Son’s Circumcision

While deputies gladly took Neubecker into custody following the robbery, they warn residents that stepping in isn’t the best choice.

“It’s not something we recommend,” said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Cristen Smith. “We would prefer citizens be a witness and not take matters into their own hands.”

As for Neubecker, he admitted to the offense when questioned by deputies, the affidavit stated. He was booking into the Pinellas County Jail Friday on a single count of strong armed robbery. He remained behind bars Wednesday in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Haritakis has one official sanctioned fight according to the Mixed Martial Arts database. It was a 2009 bought against Jamie Yager during the Rumble at Robarts. Haritakis lost the one-round fight due to “doctor stoppage.”

Screenshot of Erik Haritakis. Booking photo of Michael Jon Neubecker courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Keep up with what’s happening around town and the state by signing up for your favorite Patch daily newsletter: Bloomingdale-Riverview, Bradenton, Brandon, Carrollwood-Northdale, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Beaches, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Seminole Heights, South Tampa-Hyde Park, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Westchase.