Tulsa Bank Adds Extra Guns

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa had nine bank robberies last year and six in the first two weeks of this year.  One Tulsa bank has taken extraordinary measures to protect itself.  In addition to an armed security guard in the lobby, the bank's CEO has two guns in his office and he is ready to use them.

David Johnson is the CEO of People's Bank.  He's a typical man, married, father of three and grandfather.  But, he is not your typical banker.

"I'm licensed to carry a concealed weapon and we're serious about the fact we'll protect ourselves," said People's Bank CEO David Johnson.

Johnson keeps weapons in his office and is prepared to use them wisely.  He refuses to sit idly if robbers come into his bank with the intent to hurt people.

"We're a family owned bank and literally have family here all the time. We're very aggressive in making it clear that we'll do whatever we have to do to protect our family, so we're not an easy mark," said People's Bank CEO David Johnson.

The first thing you see when you walk in the doors is a sign that tells people to take off their hats, sunglasses and hoods.  Next, you'll see a retired police officer, carrying a gun.

The goal is to prevent trouble, but if someone brings it, the bank is ready.

When David Johnson says he is prepared to protect his family at the bank, he means it. One day, there was a report of two men wearing ski masks and carrying shotguns walking past the bank so, David got a chair and sat with a shotgun of his own.

He says it's time the industry let violent criminals know, banks won't go down without a fight.

"As an industry, we've gotta come to grips with that and be aggressive because it's obviously not working, this peace and love approach of here's our money, just take it," said People's Bank CEO David Johnson.

Johnson and police believe his bank was nearly robbed last week.

Video shows a man who goes to the teller and pulls out a note, but because she's on the phone and felt he was suspicious, she took her time getting to him and he finally just left.

Johnson says his goal is not to create problems or incite violence, but to respond prudently to any threat.