43-year-old Eduardo Plasencia of Woodland, California, passed a teller at Bank of the West a note, claiming he had a gun.

But it turned out that standing next to him was his former neighbor, and the father of one of Plasenia's friends. Michael Armus Sr recognized Plasencia and asked if he was okay.

Note Armus's T-shirt: "Love God. Love People. Impact Lives."

Plasencia said,

There's nothing in this town for me. I just want to go to prison.

Armus talked him out of robbing the bank, and the two went outside.

"I felt compassion for this man. I mean what could happen to this man to make him want to go in there and throw his life away.

"I (gave) the man a hug right here at the doors." Armus said. "He started crying."

"I believe that it was meant for me to be here that day."

Plasencia was arrested for attempted bank robbery.

Police say that he was not armed, and that they appreciated Armus helping a fellow community member, but also that they don't recommend hugging every bank robber you run into.

A firm handshake will do.