Press Releases

PNC Bank hit again
February 21, 2009

Collier County detectives are still searching for the man they say robbed the same bank twice in two months. On top of that, they also think he may be responsible for other similar crimes in Southwest Florida..

With the moves of a well versed criminal, a man robs a North Naples bank – then walks out with a bag full of cash – not once, but twice in two months. Now PNC Bank officials are upping the ante for an arrest – to the tune of $10,000.

The first 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 of 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.

Then just last week, deputies say the same man walked into the same PNC Bank on US 41 and held them up in an identical fashion to the first robbery. Again, he stole a car from a teller and ditched it just a few blocks away – leaving with a very large amount of cash in hand.

It’s unknown at this point if the robber left the area 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 two recent robberies 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.