According to The Local, 11 off-duty members of the French Armed Forces, Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), were hanging out at a local McDonald’s in the commune of Ecole-Valentin on Sunday, enjoying their burgers when two armed men rushed into the restaurant, fired a warning shot, and robbed the cashier.
The soldiers, who specialize in handling hostage situations for the French military, thought it was safest for the other customers and McDonald’s staff if they waited until the robbers finished their crime and left the restaurant before attempting to intervene.
Once the robbers left, though, they handily captured both of them. One robber, who was carrying around 2,000 euros ($2,270) cash, stumbled as he attempted to flee and was captured, while the other was shot in the abdomen by one of the elite forces member and arrested.
Both robbers were taken to the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery before standing trial. They have since been charged with armed robbery.