Suspect named in Poland bank robbery

The Clay County Prosecutor's Office has issued an arrested warrant for a 38-year-old man believed to be responsible for a Poland bank robbery in November.

On Thursday, Clay County Prosecutor Lee Reberger announced his office had issued a warrant for 38-year-old Vance E. Smith. The warrant is for two counts -- robbery of the Poland First Financial Bank and another count of being a habitual traffic violator.

"He is alleged to be a suspect in this matter," Reberger said at a press conference, which took place at the Clay County Justice Center. "This is at a charging stage only."

Reberger was joined at the press conference by Clay County Deputy Prosecutor Kim Jackson, Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton and Clay County Sheriff's Dept. Det. Jeff Maynard.

On Nov. 23, 2007, the Poland branch of First Financial Bank was robbed by an individual in his mid- to late-30s, standing approximately 6-feet tall. The individual was wearing sunglasses, baggy cargo pants, a Carhart-style jacket and a baseball cap.

The robbery in Poland was similar to one that took place in Darlington, on Oct. 31.

Reberger said search warrants were served in December for two locations in the Plainfield area and evidence was collected that led his office to issue the warrant. The evidence, however, could not be discussed at the time.

Reberger described Smith as being a white male standing 6-feet, 2-inches and weighing approximately 205 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Reberger said Smith should be considered armed and dangerous.

No weapon was visible at the Poland bank robbery. However, the suspect alleged to have one in his possession.

"There was no weapon displayed in either case," Heaton said.

According to Reberger, Smith was last known to be driving a maroon Dodge Dakota truck, with a Kentucky license plate of 593 DLD.

Reberger said Smith is wanted in Hendricks County on warrants for failure to appear for possession of cocaine, criminal reckless with a deadly weapon and carrying a handgun without a permit, as well as driving while intoxicated and habitual traffic violator in Putnam County.

"All law enforcement agencies have been informed," Reberger said. "We need the community's help."

Assisting CCSD in the investigation were the United States Marshals Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police Sgt. Andrew Lohrman and the Plainfield Police Dept.

In addition, it was noted that Maynard had been working with Sgt. Tom McKee of the Indiana State Police Lafayette post and Montgomery County Prosecutor regarding the connection between the Poland and Darlington bank robberies.

"We're very pleased with all the agencies that came together to work on this investigation," Reberger said.

Jason Moon is the managing editor of the Brazil Times, sister newspaper of the BannerGraphic.