Homeowner Overpowers Armed Intruder and Ties Him to Porch Until Police Arrive in Memphis

A Memphis homeowner turned the tables on an alleged armed robber after wrestling him to the ground and tying him to a porch railing until police arrived.

According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a robbery call on June 8 at a home on Hillcrest. When they arrived, they found a man already restrained outside the residence. Investigators said the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Leotha Bush, had been tied to the front porch railing with straps by the people he had allegedly tried to rob.

Police said the homeowner was working in the front room of the house near the open front door when Bush approached the property. According to the affidavit, Bush initially asked the homeowner for a cigarette lighter.

But moments later, investigators say the encounter took a dangerous turn.

After asking for the lighter, Bush allegedly walked into the home, pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun, and demanded the homeowner’s keys.

The homeowner immediately alerted a nearby witness who rushed to help. According to police, the witness was able to grab the weapon from Bush’s hand before the two men wrestled him to the ground.

Working together, the homeowner and witness restrained Bush and tied him by the wrist to the front porch, holding him there until responding officers arrived at the scene.

During questioning, police said Bush admitted that he had approached the house and pulled out the weapon. However, he claimed it had all been a prank and denied attempting to rob the homeowner.

Investigators later determined that the firearm involved was actually a BB gun designed to resemble a real handgun.

Despite that discovery, authorities charged Bush with attempted aggravated robbery and carrying an imitation firearm. He was taken into custody following the incident.

The unusual case has drawn attention because the alleged victim and a witness managed to stop the suspect themselves before officers ever arrived, leaving police to find the accused robber already tied up and waiting on the front porch.