SEATTLE, WA. (THECOUNT.COM) — A 49-year-old man was taken into custody in Seattle, Washington, after police say he robbed a bank on Capitol Hill and was later identified when a Goodwill employee discovered his demand note inside a fitting room and contacted authorities.
According to the Seattle Police Department, the incident began during the afternoon of January 16, when the suspect entered a Columbia Bank branch located along Broadway Avenue East in Seattle, WA. Investigators said the man approached a teller and handed over a written demand note.
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Police said the suspect was armed with a firearm at the time of the robbery. Fearing for safety, the teller complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect fled the scene before officers were able to arrive. Seattle police initiated an investigation and began canvassing the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood for evidence and surveillance footage.
Several hours later, police received a 911 call from an employee at a Goodwill store located nearby in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle, WA. The employee reported finding what was described as an “obvious bank robbery note” left behind in one of the store’s dressing rooms.
Officers responded to the thrift store and reviewed surveillance video provided by the business. Police said the footage showed a man matching the description of the bank robbery suspect entering and exiting the store.
Using the surveillance footage and the recovered note, officers conducted a search of the surrounding area. Police said they were able to locate and identify the suspect a short time later.
The man was taken into custody without incident. During the arrest, officers recovered cash that investigators believe was taken during the earlier robbery at the Columbia Bank branch.
Following the arrest, police transported the suspect to Seattle Police Department headquarters, where he was interviewed by detectives assigned to the case.
During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that the same suspect is believed to be responsible for a similar-style bank robbery that occurred the previous day in downtown Seattle, WA.
According to police, that earlier robbery took place at a BECU branch located along 6th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Investigators said the suspect allegedly used a similar method, involving a demand note, during that incident.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name as of publication, and formal charges have not yet been announced. Police said the case remains under active investigation as detectives work to determine whether the suspect may be connected to any additional robberies in the Seattle area.
The Seattle Police Department has not disclosed whether any injuries were reported during either robbery, and no additional suspects are believed to be involved at this time.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Seattle Police Department or submit tips anonymously through local crime reporting channels.
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