Colerain robber linked to Creswell heist

Published 9:44 am Thursday, February 2, 2012

COLERAIN – Friday wasn’t the first time an individual who held up a bank here was caught on camera.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation have confirmed that the man who robbed the RBC bank in Colerain on Friday was also caught on camera during an armed robbery of the East Carolina Bank in Creswell in early January.

“We certainly believe it is the same person,” Bertie County Sheriff John Holley reported. “If you look at the surveillance photos you can tell it’s the same person.”

The suspect is described as a black male standing approximately 6’ tall and weighing 175-200 pounds. He wore a dark-colored cap and what is believed now to be fake dreadlocks.

Friday the suspect entered the RBC branch on Main Street in Colerain, produced a small silver handgun and demanded money. He escaped with approximately $6,500 in cash.

Three weeks earlier, the same suspect reportedly robbed the East Carolina Bank located on Seventh Street in Creswell.

The FBI has confirmed the white Toyota that is being sought is believed to be the getaway car. The vehicle could be a Corolla or a Camry, according to the FBI’s announcement. It is missing a hubcap.

Holley said his office was working closely with the FBI and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to solve the case. He said he believes that is exactly what will happen.

“I feel very confident in our investigation,” he said. “Our investigators and deputies are hard at work and I think it will pay off. I really feel we will make an arrest in this case.”

Those who have information in the case can call the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office (794-5330), the Charlotte Division of the FBI (704-672-6100) or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (252-793-2422).

Holley indicated those with information may also call him personally at 325-0260.

“As always, we want information, not names,” he said. “We appreciate all our citizens have done to help and continue to seek whatever information they may have in this case.”