Police seek help to find robbery suspect
POLAND -- Officials from around the state are working together to find a suspect believed to be involved in two bank robberies -- one at the Poland branch of the First Financial Bank on Nov. 23 and another in Darlington, Ind., on Oct. 31.
Members of the Clay County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police Lafayette post officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are involved in a joint investigation to solve the similar cases.
"We believe the two robberies are probably connected," CCSD Detective Sgt. Jeff Maynard told The Brazil Times Tuesday. "From what we can see in the video footage of both robberies, the suspects look similar. We're not 100 percent, but it sure looks like the same man."
Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton confirmed last week that the Terre Haute branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined the possibility that the same person could have orchestrated the two robberies.
Officials investigating both robberies video footage that showed a white male suspect in his mid-to-late 30's, approximately six-feet tall, wearing what appeared to be similar sunglasses, baggy cargo pants, a Carhart style jacket and a baseball cap.
Although no weapon was visible during both robberies and no one was injured, the suspect implied he had one when he took an undisclosed amount of cash.
Local residents in the area around the bank were questioned, but no concrete leads were developed.
Maynard said video surveillance footage at a gas station across the street from the bank was also checked, but it didn't show anything useful for the investigation.
"We have received some information, tips and leads from the public, but it's been kind of hit and miss," Maynard said. "If anyone knows anything about this case, we need to hear from them."
To report information about this case, or any other, contact Det. Sgt. Maynard at the Clay County Sheriff's Department at 446-2535.
Ivy Jackson is a reporter for the Brazil Times, sister paper of the BannerGraphic.