Investigators believe a repeat offender is the likely
suspect in the armed robbery of a bank in north Collier
County earlier this month.
With the
moves of a well versed criminal, a man robbed a North
Naples bank – then walked out with a bag full of cash.
Now PNC Bank officials are upping the ante for an arrest
– to the tune of $10,000.
The robbery
took place shortly after noon on December 8th – when a
short man in his 40s, armed with a gun, demanded cash
from tellers. After getting the money from the drawers,
he then forced tellers to get more money – out of the
bank’s vault.
“I believe
he felt fairly comfortable – there were no other
customers in the bank, and he probably figured he had a
good amount of time," said Detective Mike Kovar with the
Collier County Sheriff's Office.
The actions
of the robber, combined with his calm demeanor and
precision, lead investigators to believe they’re dealing
with a well versed criminal – who most likely has done
this before.
“By way of
his actions and his disposition afterwards, it did seem
that he had a plan," Kovar said.
After
getting exactly what he came after, the robber took it
one step further – and made his getaway in a grey Chevy
Silverado stolen from one of the banks tellers.
Detectives
say the robber drove the stolen car about a mile down
the road, to the Bed, Bath and Beyond Plaza. It was here
that he ditched the car in the back of the building –
and he hasn’t been seen since.
It’s unknown
at this point if the robber left the shopping center on
foot – or if he had a vehicle waiting there for him.
That’s just one more question detectives hope the public
can help out with. And an arrest in this case could
potentially halt an experienced criminal from striking
again.
Anyone with
information on the December 8th robbery of the PNC Bank
in Naples is asked to call Crime Stoppers at
1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous
and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.
Tips may also be made online at
www.swflcrimestoppers.org.
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT AN
UNSOLVED CRIME? CALL NOW!
In Lee County: 332-5555
or Outside Lee County: 1-800-780-TIPS
(8477)
