(from ABC7news) According to police, the suspect approached the rear door of the bank wearing a mask, gloves, and hoodie. The bank manager reportedly saw the suspect coming towards the door and physically held the door shut.

The suspect revealed a small, black, semiautomatic handgun, which he used to bang on the door, police said. The manager continued to hold the door shut despite the suspect displaying a weapon and trying to pry the door open.

There was one customer inside the bank. He didn't want to give his name, but he described the situation as "surreal."

The suspect ran from the bank, behind the Rite Aid and toward Gannon Avenue.

After the man fled, police say he went to a possible getaway car parked by Mincey's Shoe Shop on Gannon Avenue.

Glenda Hodge works at the shop and says she came face-to-face with the gunman before the attempted armed robbery

"He was on the phone. He said 'Ma'am, ma'am, do you know which street this is?' " Hodge said. "He got me shook up, that's all I can say. It surprised me because I never seen the guy before."

Zebulon Police commended the bank manager's quick action.

"We credit the manager in this situation from not only saving the bank from being robbed, but very likely saving somebody from being injured," said Zebulon Police Chief Timothy Hayworth. "He reacted in a split second, and I think it showed that he was courageous. He was a brave man. I've talked to him since and he says he really doesn't want the publicity for this, but at the same time he's a hero."

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