An off-duty cop tackled a man threatening to burn down a Glasgow restaurant while out for a meal with his wife.
Sergeant David Marr threw himself at the thug as he clutched a can of petrol and terrorised diners.
The 42-year-old was enjoying a nice lunch at the Ashoka in Ashton Lane when the drama unfolded, the Sunday Mail reports.
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The would-be arsonist had been asked to leave the popular restaurant twice after arguing with a waiter.
But when he returned for third confrontation he was armed with five-gallon can of petrol and a lit cigarette, warning: "I'm not joking, I'm going to burn it down."
David instantly leapt into action and brought the man to the ground to stop him lighting the fuel.
The Police Scotland road traffic investigator had spotted the suspect sitting on a wall outside the restaurant for lunch earlier.
He explained: "I never took much notice of him at that point.
"I remember thinking when he came into the restaurant the second time, 'Go away, I just want to have a meal in peace.'
"I knew when he brought the jerry can into the restaurant that I had to take action given his previous threats.
"I'd seen him outside smoking so I knew he had a source of ignition and you can't be prepared to let that happen - you don't take the chance.
"I stood up, shouted that I was the police and went forward and tried to take control of him and get him away from that jerry can.
"It was a very small, confined space so we ended up rolling around.
"When he tried to leave, I restrained him on the floor until my colleagues arrived a few minutes later.
"I gave them a statement and then returned to my meal."
David had ordered South Indian garlic chilli chicken and his wife lamb pardesi to go with their starters, which were then delivered to his table.
He added: "There is no way I was going to let the incident spoil my lunch - Indian is my favourite food."
At the trial, prosecutor Tanjeel Maleque admitted the incident was like a scene from the 1988 action movie Die Hard.
He told Glasgow Sheriff Court: "The events are almost akin to a movie plot. An off-duty police officer stepping up to save the day - it certainly has an air of Die Hard to it.
"The reality is this incident was not cinematic or enjoyable for those involved."
David, who is from Glasgow, has had plenty of ribbing from his colleagues about the Die Hard references.
He added: "It was a bit over- the-top and embarrassing."
No motive was given in court for the threat.
Restaurant manager Chetan Parmar said the man had been a "nuisance" and was asked to leave. The thug, who had been drinking, returned a short time later with the jerry can.
He denied threatening to burn the building down and said bringing the jerry can into the restaurant was a stupid mistake.
He was found guilty of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and jailed for two years.
David will get his award at a special ceremony at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on Thursday for hero officers, organised by the Scottish Police Federation.
The prizes will be presented by Justice Secretary Keith Brown and Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.
David Hamilton, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said Sgt Marr's actions had ensured the public faced no further risk.
He said: "He has shown the essence of what it is to be a police officer, stepping forward to protect the public, even when off duty.
"Police officers, and their families, never know when they can be called upon and Sgt Marr's selflessness and commitment to protect the public should be recognised. He is truly deserving of this award."
Twenty-five hero police officers have been nominated for awards, including David, spread across six categories.
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