An Army captain credits her military training for actions that led to the arrest of a man who has been charged with robbing her.

The woman, who is not being identified for publication, was using an ATM at BB&T on South West Broad Street in Southern Pines about 10:21 p.m. Saturday, March 6. She said she was getting money to go to a restaurant.

Southern Pines police incorrectly entered the address of nearby First Bank in its report, which was used in a story in Friday's edition. BB&T is on the other side of the railroad tracks at 200 SW Broad St.

"I'm in the military," the woman said in an interview Friday. "I am always aware of my surroundings. I even chose BB&T because it is actually well lit."

She said she surveyed the area as she approached the ATM, and nobody was around.

"I got $20 (out of the machine), and I heard a car door open, and I see a white male get out," she said.

She immediately turned away from the ATM and focused her full attention on the man, who, she said, was wearing a skull cap.

"I looked in his eyes and he starts to pull down his (skull) cap, and I know something is about to happen," she said.

Thinking quickly, the woman left her card and money in the machine and fled. She said the man chased after her, before eventually giving up. She was able to get in her car, drive away and call 911.

"I was pleased how fast police responded," she said.

After flagging down a police officer, the woman said she was able to point out the man, who was still at the ATM. She said the man had her bank receipt and her $20 on him when police approached.

Police arrested Michael Ryan Culbreth, 25, and charged him with common law robbery, larceny and possession of stolen goods.

The victim said she contacted her bank and was told that there were two failed attempts to withdraw money from her account.

"I still haven't heard from the police about the whereabouts of my ATM card," she said.

Culbreth appeared before a Moore County magistrate and was jailed under a $100,000 secured bond.

Police advise residents to use ATM machines during daylight hours whenever possible. Residents are also encouraged to go with someone else when using an ATM after hours, to be aware of their surroundings and to find another machine if someone is loitering around the area. Click here for more crime prevention tips.

The woman said being aware of her surroundings was key to helping her make the best of a bad predicament.

"It was a bad situation gone right," the woman said. "But I don't think the robber was prepared for a woman like me."

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-284 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.