A 26-year-old man has been arrested after an alleged bank robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in downtown Austin, Texas, during which he reportedly handed staff a note claiming he had a bomb.
Austin Police Department officers were called to the bank at 111 Congress Avenue at about 4.44pm on Tuesday, October 13. Police said the suspect had approached employees under the pretence of opening an account before demanding money in writing.
He allegedly received an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot. An officer located him less than two blocks away within one minute and 54 seconds of the robbery call being broadcast, according to the police department.
Downtown Austin bank robbery arrest
The suspect was identified as Makiya Johnson, who was taken to Travis County Jail. He faces two charges of robbery by threat.
Police said officers secured the Wells Fargo branch, recovered evidence and spoke to witnesses before the case was handed to the Austin Police Department’s Robbery Unit.
Johnson also had an outstanding warrant linked to a separate aggravated robbery involving a deadly weapon, which police said took place in a neighbouring jurisdiction on October 10.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information can contact the Austin Police Department’s Robbery Unit on 512-974-5092. Anonymous reports can be made through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers programme online or by calling 512-472-8477.
