Bellbrook Bank Robbery Suspect Captured

Authorities said a tip led police in Bellbrook to a suspected bank robber. The man was arrested Thursday morning in Harrison Township.

Police said the suspect held up the Key Bank on West Franklin Street on Wednesday afternoon. Officers said Wednesday’s bank robbery was Bellbrook’s first in nearly 30 years.

Less than 24 hours after the robbery happened, police said, they have solved the case.

The tip led police to Castlewood Drive, where the suspect had been renting a place to live. In addition to finding the suspect and the alleged getaway car, police officers also found a mound of other evidence.

Det. Keith Salyers said officers found money, a handgun and a jacket – all of the items that were allegedly used in the robbery.

Police said the suspect walked into the bank, pulled out a handgun and demanded cash. They said a dye pack hidden in the bag of money exploded before he left the parking lot, making his getaway a sloppy one.

Detectives said his photo shown on television led officers to the suspect’s arrest.

Salyers said the suspect is on parole in the state of Ohio for similar incidents to the robbery.

Since robbing a bank is a federal crime, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations may file charges against him and handle the rest of the investigation.

Previous Stories: March 9, 2006: Suspected Bellbrook Bank Robber Arrested March 8, 2006: Bellbrook Bank Robbed By Gunman