Huber Heights officers arrested Eric W. Smith, 32, of Piqua, at approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday at America’s Best Value Inn, 7911 Brandt Pike.
Smith is the same white male in his mid 20s police believe robbed the MainSource Bank, 126 W. High St., at 2 p.m., Piqua Police Chief Bruce Jamison told News Center 7’s Layron Livingston.
Huber Heights Sgt. William Dulaney told News Center 7 at the scene that Piqua police contacted Huber Heights and asked for assistance as Smith was believed to be staying at the hotel.
Because the suspect was possibly armed during the robbery, Dulaney said officers took precautions and evacuated businesses near the hotel. A special weapons and tactics team was also dispatched to the hotel, but Smith surrendered before SWAT was utilized.
Police continue to investigate. It’s unclear whether Smith was found with any cash from the bank. He was taken to the Miami County Jail.
A female who was staying with Smith was also arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Earlier in the day, police in Piqua searched an alley behind St. James Episcopal Church on Wayne Street.
Investigators said the suspect walked into the bank, stood in line waiting for his turn, then passed the teller a note demanding cash.
The suspect indicated that he had a weapon but did not display one, Jamison said.