David Augusto/KTVB

Police investigate a robbery at the Jacksons Shell station in Boise Tuesday night.

BOISE - A dramatic scene at a Boise gas station -- after two citizens helped stop an armed robbery with a six pack of beer.

It happened at the Jacksons store at Fairview Avenue near Liberty just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say James Edward Bridges, 46, walked into the store - went behind the counter, shoved a clerk and started grabbing money out of the cash register. 

An off-duty jailer swung into action -- using a six pack of beer bottles -- whacking the suspect over the head.

James Bridges, 46, is charged with robbery, and assault and battery upon a law officer.

Another customer helped pin the suspect to the ground until police arrived.  Police say Bridges resisted arrest – kicking and fighting – resulting in a battery on an officer charge – in addition to a felony count of robbery.

"We would never want anyone to risk their own safety, but this is a case where two citizens, acting quickly and decisively literally caught a criminal," Boise Police Lt. Ron Winegar said in a prepared statement.

EXCLUSIVE: Beer-wielding bystander describes what happened

Police say the two citizens did not know each other before helping to apprehend Bridges.

"These two citizens saw an opportunity and really made a difference in this case. We're very thankful for their help and very glad the suspect is in custody," said Lt. Winegar.

Bridges suffered a cut on the head from the beer bottles – and was taken first to a local hospital – then to the Ada County Jail.

He is charged with two felonies - robbery, and assault and battery upon a law officer.