The Tallahassee Police Department have arrested what they say is the main culprit behind the recent Regions Bank robbery: James Bryant, 54, has been charged with robbery without a weapon and grand theft.
According to court documents, Bryant entered the bank before 9 a.m. and handed a teller a note written on the back of a deposit slip that stated, “this is a robbery.” He demanded money from the cash drawer.
The teller told investigators the suspect instructed him to place cash into a black plastic bag and avoid looking directly at him. The teller said the suspect made gestures that led him to believe he might be armed, causing him to fear for his safety. The suspect left the bank with $3,190 in cash, investigators said. The teller activated a silent alarm after the suspect left.
When speaking to investigators, the teller also told them that he had given Bryant four $20 bills that were used as “bait” and could be tracked by their serial number.
Officers determined Bryant was the suspect after viewing footage of a traffic stop conducted on him sometime in April and he matched the description of the man at the bank, down to the bracelets he wore.
Along with Bryant, officers had also arrested Brandon Dodson who police say drove Bryant to the bank.
In his interview with police, he initially refused to provide information but officers searched his home, finding contact information for Bryant. Dodson would also later identify Bryant.
Bryant was arrested and at the time was in possession of more than $900 in cash, consisting mostly of large bills and additional evidence connected to the robbery.
Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TPD: Main culprit charged in bank robbery; teller gave him ‘bait’ bills
Reporting by Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
