Eric Whytkamp was in Ballarat dropping his wife at a medical appointment when he turned into an alleyway behind Ballarat hospital.

That’s where things started to get interesting.

“I heard yelling and saw a balaclava-clad figure running at me with a knife,” Mr Whytkamp said.

“I gave chase straight away.

“A van drove down behind him and the driver got out and also started chasing him.

“As he rounded the corner he dropped the till, he bent down to pick up some money at the wrong time and we managed to tackle him to the ground.

“We pinned him there while someone called the police.”

According to Ballarat police, the man had entered Priceline Pharmacy in Sturt Street, threatened an attendant with a knife and demanded money. Sergeant Dave Collins said the man then ran into Anticline Lane, where he was apprehended by the two good Samaritans.

Sergeant Collins said police

arrived shortly after and arrested the man.

“Everything was returned,” he said.

Mr Whytkamp – who works at Hazeldene’s in Bendigo – said he had no idea why he decided to play the hero.

But he said it felt good to help out.

“The lady who was held up came on the scene and she was very thankful,” he said.