Crime & Safety

Police Release Images of Armed Bank Robbery Suspects, Reward Offered

Detectives are investigating a series of 5 armed take over-style bank robberies that have occurred within King County since January 2013 - two of them in Newcastle.

Detectives from the King County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle Police Department, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force are investigating a series of 5 armed take over-style bank robberies that have occurred within King County since January 2013 - two of them in Newcastle.

The latest incident took place at the Bank of America branch in Newcastle on Monday, July 1. Two suspects entered the bank at about 4:40 p.m. They were described as two black males dressed in dark clothing.

The Key Bank in Newcastle was also robbed on January 16.

Detectives consider these two cases, along with a robbery of the Key Bank and the Washington Federal Bank, both on Rainier Avenue on February 28 and May 22, and the Sterling Savings Bank in Burien on June 8, linked at this time.

The actual number of suspects involved remains under investigation.

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The July 1 Newcastle Bank of America robbery is the first time two suspects entered a bank together. All prior robberies were committed by a single suspect entering the banks.

The May 22 Washington Federal robbery is Seattle resulted in a suspect firing a gunshot inside the bank.

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The June 8 Burien Sterling Savings robbery resulted in a bank teller being struck in the face by the suspect.

Handguns are displayed and pointed in all robberies. Suspects proceed with robbing the banks despite several customers and employees being present. Detectives are now (for the first time) releasing surveillance photos of a suspect vehicle believed to have been used in the February 28 Key Bank robbery. This vehicle is a blue 1983 – 1987 Mercury Marquis – very stock in appearance.

A reward is being offered through Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.  Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information leads to an arrest and charge of person(s) involved. (To be eligible for the reward, a person must provide the information through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Tips can also be called in to the KCSO Communication Center (206-296-3311) or 911.


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