A suspect has been arrested in connection with a bank robbery Wednesday afternoon in Southern Pines.

Wayne Thomas Johnson, 72, with no known address, was arrested with multiple evidence in his possession, according to Southern Pines Police Department in a news release.

Southern Pines Police at the robbed PNC Bank in Southern Pines

The robbery occurred around 1 pm at the PNC Bank on U.S. Highway 1 and Poplar Street.  It is reported the suspect slipped a note to the teller demanding money.  It is unclear how much cash Johnson allegedly received.  Johnson did not display a weapon, and the bank’s staff was unharmed during the robbery.

The suspect was arrested two hours later at the Belk’s parking lot at Pinecrest Plaza in Southern Pines.

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Authorities apprehending suspect

The Southern Pines Police Department received a report that the suspect was in a Safe Way Taxi.  The cab’s dispatcher was informing the police where the cab was going.  Once the police found out the destination, they were waiting in unmarked vehicles and arrested the suspect.

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Authorities handcuffing suspect

Aberdeen Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were a part of the investigation.  “Johnson appeared before a MooreCounty Magistrate and was subsequently incarcerated in the Moore County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond pending a hearing in Moore County District Court on February 13th,” stated the news release.

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Authorities investigating inside the Safe Way Taxi

An unrelated robbery occurred two weeks ago at the First Bank in Vass.  The suspect(s)  are still at large.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

 

 

 

 

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