Tag: robbery

UPDATE: OCSO seeks help identifying a man in a vehicle break in with new photo obtained

OCSO is asking the public’s help in identifying a man who was caught on camera breaking into a vehicle at a Circle K Monday night.

UPDATE: (10/28 Release) Onslow County Sheriff’s Office has received an additional photo of the man suspected of breaking into vehicles at Circle K, Hwy 258 and NC53 last week.

Photo Courtesy of OCSO

If you know the individual photographed above, please contact Detective Watkins at 910-989-4060.

PREVIOUS: Onslow Co. Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who is wanted for questioning after being caught on video surveillance footage actively in a vehicle break-in.

Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, OCSO deputies responded to a call reporting a vehicle break-in at the new Circle K on HWY-258 at the NC-53. The store clerk at the time received notice from a customer there was a vehicle that had its window smashed out that was parked in the rear parking lot. Ironically enough for the clerk, the vehicle belonged to the clerk.

Photo Courtesy of OCSO
Photo Courtesy of OCSO

 

Store video surveillance captured the photos above of a black male exiting a compact black vehicle that is comparable to a Mazda 6 or a Mazda 3 Sedan and break into the victim’s vehicle. The male, as seen in the photos was wearing a green t-shirt or possibly sweatshirt with rolled sleeves with a red logo on the front, and black or dark gray sweat pants that had a hole on the upper left leg. He was wearing slide-on flip flops and was bald.

img_0263-1
Courtesy of OCSO- Lightly altered light and cropped original image for sake of visual explanation.

Editors Note: Onslow Co. Sheriff’s Office says they are uncertain if the suspect has facial hair. The Onslow Beat did some image manipulation with lighting, you can see what appears to be facial hair or at least a five o’clock shadow. Citizens should keep that in mind when helping OCSO bring justice in this matter, don’t rule it out.

img_0262-1
Courtesy of OCSO Slightly altered image: Cropped & lighting shift to show what The Onslow Beat believes to be a bandana.

Additionally, in the image captured by the rear of the vehicle, the suspect appears to be holding a cloth of sorts in his hands. Some have taken to social media comments saying this looks like a Home Depot apron, that has not been confirmed or discussed with OCSO as of yet by The Onslow Beat. The Onslow Beat did also take a deeper look into the image with more image manipulation to crop and shift lighting and it appears as a red bandana, “colors”. Look at that slightly altered above.

 

Additionally, in the image captured by the rear of the vehicle, the suspect appears to be holding a cloth of sorts in his hands. Some have taken to social media comments saying this looks like a Home Depot apron, that has not been confirmed or discussed with OCSO as of yet by The Onslow Beat. The Onslow Beat did also take a deeper look into the image with more image manipulation to crop and shift lighting and it appears as a red

bandana example
Stock Image from Google to show an example for visual explanation.

bandana, “colors”. Look at that slightly altered above.

 

 

 

Anyone with information about this incident may contact Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113, Detective Watkins at 910-989-787-4060, or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273. Please refer to case 2019015332 when calling.

Crime Stoppers offers cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that is deemed of value or assistance to law enforcement. Information can also be anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and never have to reveal their identity.

UPDATE: “Pink Lady Bandit” and accomplice captured by the FBI after a spree of bank robberies from PA to NC

The “Pink Lady Bandit” has been captured after robbing four banks along the East Coast, in three different states. Two of these banks were in N.C. The pink lady bandit didn’t act alone, her male accomplice is also in custody. So much for a modern day Bonnie & Clyde.

(AYDEN,NC)- UPDATE 7/29/19 08:47PM: The same unidentified suspect from the original story last week where one bank robbery occurred in Ayden, NC at Southern Bank, unfolded a bigger picture into an FBI investigation.

The “Pink Lady Bandit” is believed to have robbed four different banks along the East Coast, in three states, two of which were in N.C.

In each individual robbery, there were similar characteristics. The female suspect showed the teller a note demanding money, and in two specified cases she was carrying a distinctive style of a pink handbag. The pink handbag lead to her being dubbed as the “Pink Lady Bandit”. Other physical characteristics were yoga style pants, tank tops, big dark sunglasses, and a grayish colored baseball cap.

Photo Courtesy of FBI
Photo Courtesy of FBI

In each case, the suspect showed the teller a note that demanded money. She has since been dubbed the nickname, “Pink Lady Bandit” because in at least two of the robberies she carried a very distinctive pink handbag.

The Pink Lady Bandit didn’t act alone and her “Clyde” – accomplice, has also been arrested in the series of robberies. FBI- Charlotte, Public Affairs Specialist, Shelley Lynch issued the following in a release on the FBI website:

“The Charlotte Division of the FBI arrested Circe Baez (DOB August 9, 1983) and Alexis Morales (DOB May 15, 1981) on July 28, 2019, in connection with at least four bank robberies along the East Coast. The bank robberies occurred at the following locations:

  • Orrstown Bank, 1 Giant Lane, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on July 20, 2019
  • M&T Bank, 19511 Camelot Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on July 23, 2019
  • Southern Bank, 236 West 3rd Street in Ayden, North Carolina, on July 24, 2019
  • BB&T, 8 Raleigh Street in Hamlet, North Carolina, on July 26, 2019

Evidence gathered during the course of the investigation by the FBI, Greenville Police Department, the Ayden Police Department, Hamlet Police Department, Carlisle Police Department, and the Delaware State Police led agents and task force officers to identify Circe Baez as the woman who robbed at least four banks. Agents and officers uncovered additional evidence after the robbery in Hamlet, North Carolina, to identify Morales as an accomplice to the crimes.

On Sunday, July 28, 2019, investigators located Baez and Morales at the Charlotte Speedway Inn & Suites located at 1408 West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Violent Criminal Apprehension Team took the suspects into custody without incident. They were transported to Pitt County where they went before a local magistrate judge and were booked into the Pitt County Detention Center. The suspects are currently being held at the Pitt County Detention Center in Greenville, North Carolina, on $4 million bond each. At this time, they are charged in connection with the bank robberies in Ayden and Hamlet, North Carolina. Specific details on the individual charges they face can be found at the Pitt County Detention Center website. 

Baez is also currently charged by the Carlisle Police Department. Both suspects are likely facing additional charges from other state agencies and perhaps federal charges in connection to the cases. The investigation is ongoing.

The following agencies partnered in this investigation: FBI Charlotte, Delaware State Police, Carlisle Police Department, Ayden Police Department, Hamlet Police Department, Greenville Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, FBI Baltimore, and FBI Philadelphia.”

The Pink Lady Bandit and her side kick have traded in the pink purse for one pillow case, orange jump suits and hotel suites on the run for jail cells.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact your local FBI Office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. You can also submit a tip at: tips.fbi.gov

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(AYDEN, NC)- Ayden Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a woman who robbed a local bank today on foot.

APD released the bank robbery suspect caught on surveillance footage at Southern Bank. APD reported that at approximately 4:10-4:15 PM this Wednesday evening, the 236 Third Street location was robbed by the female pictured in photos below.

Photo Courtesy of Ayden Police Dept.
Photo Courtesy of Ayden Police Dept
Photo Courtesy of Ayden Police Dept

Photo Courtesy of Ayden Police Dept
Photo Courtesy of Ayden Police Dept

The suspect is described as a white female, late 20s to early 30s who was wearing a black tank top, black/white printed legging style pants, a blue ball cap and a pink purse.

The suspect was said to be traveling on foot.

If you have any information, please call the Ayden Police Department at 252-481-5844 or our EZ Call Program at 252-746-APD0.

There is up to a $5,000 reward offered through the North Carolina Bankers Association for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Bank Robbery Suspect Identified In A Second Robbery

(JACKSONVILLE, NC)-

UPDATE: Armed Robbery Suspect Identified.

The suspect in last Thursday afternoon’s armed robbery of First Citizens Bank, 302 B Western Blvd., has been identified as Christopher Bryan Shingleton, 42, of Swansboro, NC. “Shingleton is currently in the custody of the Craven County Detention Center on similar, but unrelated charges” said Captain Mike Capps, JPD Investigations Supervisor. Shingleton will be served on robbery warrants related to the bank heist in Jacksonville. Bond information is pending first court appearance.

On Thursday, June 13th at approximately 4:02 PM, officers of the Jacksonville Police Department responded to an armed robbery at First Citizens Bank, 302 B Western Boulevard, Jacksonville. The preliminary investigation revealed that a masked man entered the bank and handed a note to the teller. The suspect left on foot in an unknown direction of travel. No one was injured in the accident.

“JPD Detectives have been collaborating with investigators from Havelock PD and Morehead City PD as well as agents from the NC State Bureau of Investigation on this case” said Captain Capps. He expressed appreciation to our media partners for their assistance in getting the photo to out the public, leading to tips and calls to the department.

“We would like to thank the media for their assistance, through broadcasting and social networking, which directly led to the identification of the suspect” said Captain Capps.

Anyone with additional information about the suspect or incident is asked to call JPD Detective Jason Griess at jgriess@jacksonvillenc.gov at 910-455-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-6413. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information determined to be of value to law enforcement. Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to reveal their identities. Information can also be anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637 (CRIMES)

PREVIOUS:

Jacksonville Public Safety issued a press release this evening informing the public and seeking help identifying an armed bank robbery suspect. There are no injuries reported in the afternoon incident at the bank.

At approximately 4:02 PM, officers of the Jacksonville Police Department responded to an armed robbery at First Citizens Bank, 302 B Western Boulevard, Jacksonville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a masked man entered the bank and handed a note to the teller. The suspect left on foot in an unknown direction of travel. No one was injured in the accident.

“We are in the early steps of this investigation and could use the assistance of the public in identifying the subject in the surveillance images” said Captain Mike Capps, supervisor of the JPD Investigative Services Division.

The man is described as a white male, over 6’ tall. . At the time of the incident he was wearing a dark colored hoodie, dark pants, a white hospital/medical mask and gray ball cap with the “H” Hurley insignia.

Anyone with information about the suspect or incident is asked to call Jacksonville Police at 910-455-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information determined to be of value to law enforcement. Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to reveal their identities. Information can also be anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637 (CRIMES)

SERIAL RAPIST: Accused robber-rapist with 13 incidents linked back to 1995

Spartanburg PD and Spartanburg Co. Sheriff’s Office made an arrest this month in a 24-year-long string of cases that began as far back as 1995. 13-incidents with 12 victims of criminal sexual conduct or attempted criminal sexual conduct. The detectives finally saw a break in solving who the serial suspect was by DNA evidence that was analyzed by SLED giving a hit. All victims were white females, ages ranging from 14-51 years old. The accused never formed a specific pattern of targeting. A first court date has not been set yet for this suspect.

(SPARTANBURG, SC)- Between 1995 and 2003, 12 women in Spartanburg County were the victims of criminal sexual conduct or attempted criminal sexual conduct. All of the offenses occurred at apartment complexes in the early morning hours, and from interviewing the victims, a suspect description was developed.

The victims in these cases described the offender as a black male, 5’10 to 6’00 tall, 160-180 pounds, well spoken, wearing dark clothing and either a ball cap or toboggan. The suspect’s actions in all the incidents were also very similar, leading investigators to believe that all the offenses were committed by the same person. Once the results of DNA analysis came back on the completed criminal sexual conduct cases, it confirmed all the incidents were committed by the same person. Despite numerous potential suspects being interviewed and their DNA collected and analyzed, the results never revealed a suspect. Further compounding the investigation is that the suspect never established a pattern, as evidenced by gaps of 16 months, 20 months, and 37 months between incidents. All the victims were white females, and their ages ranged from 14-51 years old. One of the victims was targeted twice, for a total of 13 incidents.

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Approximately six (6) months ago, investigators with both the Spartanburg City Police Department and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office began looking at these cases from a different perspective. Officers began an aggressive new look at the cases with specific emphasis on forensic evidence. Technological advances have allowed the investigative teams to expand their capabilities and review of the cases.

Investigators from both agencies worked tirelessly reviewing all of the old cases, re-interviewing victims, identifying potential family members of possible suspects, collecting new DNA samples, and sending that evidence to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for analysis. SPD received a notification from SLED earlier this month that through their analysis, a suspect with a matching DNA profile had been identified. That profile matched the evidence collected from the victims in six (6) of the completed criminal sexual conduct cases.

Press Conference Live Stream with Spartanburg Herald-Journal 

For nearly 24 years, these investigators just had a sketch, statements and DNA samples collected from six incidents that matched the same person. In some of the incidents, it was a matter of no evidence to be collected or it was an attempted rape in other cases, which is why investigators couldn’t pin down who the suspect was for a long time.

The suspect was identified as Gregory Howard Frye, B/M, 121 Clint Ct., Spartanburg, SC, 29307. Frye was arrested by investigators from both agencies on April 3, 2019, and transported to the Spartanburg Police Department. Frye is charged with one count of Burglary – First Degree, Kidnapping, and Criminal Sexual Conduct – First Degree for one of the incidents in the county. Additional charges are pending, and Frye went before a magistrate, who informed him he would have to appear before a circuit court judge for arraignment at a later date.

Both Spartanburg agencies have been in contact with neighboring agencies in order to allow them to review any similar crimes in their jurisdictions. Two of Frye’s incidents occurred in the city limits of Spartanburg, and the remaining 11 incidents occurred in the county.

Here’s a map of the assaults that happened throughout Spartanburg County and the City of Spartanburg. Legend Purple: 1995 Brown: 1996 Green: 1997 Blue: 1998 Maroon: 1999 Yellow: 2002-2003

A background check shows Frye having three prior criminal charges in South Carolina, though he has several convictions for various traffic violations, including failure to stop for blue lights.  The cases were filed on 04/09/19 or 04/11/19 and a court appearance date is still pending being calendared at this time per the Spartanburg County Seventh Judicial Circuit Public Index. 

 

 

 

“SET IT OFF”: A one-woman inspired robbery in a Durham Wells Fargo

Durham Police Department issued a release tonight via the department Facebook page tonight where they are investigating a bank robbery that happened this afternoon at Wells Fargo at 2821 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard.

The suspect is believed to be a man dressed as a woman entered the bank around 4:15p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money and threatening the use of a gun. No weapon was ever made visible and no one was injured.

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The man fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was assumingly, and poorly inspired by the 1996 film, “Set it Off” with Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Jada Pinkett. The suspect was wearing a dark, curly-synthetic-wig, a pink jacket, peacock feather print leggings, a surgical mask, and sunglasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Crabtree at (919) 560-4583, ext. 29356 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.

 

 

 

WPD: Two men arrested on robbery & assault of a homeless family and a couple

(WILMINGTON, NC –)

Two Wilmington men are facing armed robbery, breaking and entering and assault charges for violent acts over the weekend.

Suspects arrested

Witnesses say the men robbed a homeless family at the AmeriStay Inn on Market Street and then robbed a couple in the parking lot of the Golden Corral on New Centre Drive just before 7pm on Friday, the evening of March 15th.

During the confrontation at the Golden Corral one of the victims was cut on the hand. Police were able to get a description of the suspects and vehicle and located 28 year old, Glenn Harry Bowen and 27 year old, Robert James Sansbury at an apartment off Emory Street. Both men were taken into custody.

Both Bowen and Sansbury have a criminal history involving violent crimes such as robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Glenn Bowen

Bowen was prior convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon, drug related offenses and stolen goods.

Robert J. Sansbury

Sansbury was prior convicted of two hit and runs, resisting arrest, assault on a government officer and a number of other charges.

Onslow County man arrested for assaulting his mother

An Onslow County man is in jail for robbing and assaulting his mother.

On February 20, 2019, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Kinston Hwy in Richlands for a report of a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, the victim reported that her son, Matthew Scott Ramsey assaulted her after she didn’t give him money. Ramsey then robbed her at gunpoint of several personal items and threatened her life.

A week prior, Ramsey was arrested for assaulting her, again because she wouldn’t give him money.

Ramsey, 32-years-old of Kinston Hwy. in Richlands, was arrested February 24, 2019 and taken before a magistrate where he was charged with:

  • Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
  • Financial Card Theft
  • Assault on a Female
  • Communicating Threats

Ramsey is currently incarcerated at the Onslow County Detention Center under a $75,000 secured bond for the robbery and financial card theft charges. He was given no bond for the assault and communicating threat charges.

Anyone with information about this incident may contact Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113, Detective Lawrence at 910-989-4066, daryl_lawrence@onslowcountync.gov, or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273. Please refer to case 2019 02624 when calling.

Crime Stoppers offers cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that is deemed of value or assistance to law enforcement. Information can also be anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and never have to reveal their identity.

UPDATED: #ARRESTED Wells Fargo and Circle K robbery suspect identified in Wilmington and Leland as the same man

UPDATE:

Wilmington Police charged Elijah Muhammad McFarland, 35, with robbery with a dangerous weapon Friday morning.

A WPD officer on patrol in the 700 block of Church Street recognized McFarland riding a bicycle in the area, confirmed he was the suspect and arrested him for his role in the robbery of the Wells Fargo on South College Street Thursday.

McFarland is currently being held at the New Hanover County Jail on a $300,000 bond. He received a $150,000 bond for the Wilmington robbery, and $150,000 bond for the Brunswick County incident.

Double robbery suspect has been identified as 25-year-old, Elijah Mahammad McFarland who is wanted in a Wells Fargo bank robbery on S. College Rd. Wilmington as well as a convenience store robbery in Leland. The suspect is seen in images wearing the same outfit on both occasions, unmasked.

WPD officials reported that the suspect passed a note to the teller demanding money. He reportedly claimed to have a weapon but never displayed it.

Wells Fargo S. College Rd. Wilmington robbery image

Brunswick Co. Sheriff’s Office also released information via social media identifying the same man in a robbery at a convenience store in Leland where he is WANTED for robbery with a dangerous weapon. This particular incident occurred at around 10pm on 02/13/19 at the Circle K convenience store located at 7806 Ocean Hwy E, in Leland. BCSO stated, “Subject entered the store, told the clerk he had a gun in his pocket and demanded money. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.”

BCSO image of suspect
Circle K Robbery Images (LELAND)

No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as a 25 year old black man with a goatee, 5’4”, 130 pounds. He was wearing a flat-rimmed white baseball hat, a red jacket, blue jeans and tan boots. Anyone with information is asked to contact WPD at 910.343.3609 or use Text A Tip.

Anyone with information on the Leland incident should conact Det. Hester at 910-713-8360.

Caitlyn Ridgeway to appear in Superior Court Friday

Caitlyn Ridgeway is set to appear in Onslow County Superior Court Friday, Nov. 1st the DA Office released this morning. Earlier this week, The Onslow Beat received information from a reliable source that Ridgeway is said to be accepting a plea agreement for her part in the in July 2017 homicide of William Clifton.
Earlier this year, in March 2019, Ridgeway’s co-defendant in this homicide William Welch Jr. pleaded guilty to second degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in the death of William Clifton who was age 48.
In a news release issued previously, District Attorney Ernie Lee said Clifton was shot multiple times in Woodlands park in Jacksonville in July 2017.
Welch told detectives originally that he saw Clifton at the park, hugging and kissing the then 18-year-old Caitlyn Ridgeway, who was reportedly in a relationship with Clifton.
This is said and believed to be when Welch attacked Clifton.
The autopsy report revealed that Clifton was shot five times as well as suffered from attempted strangulation with a linear abrasion around his neck and a laceration on top of his head and scalp.
William Clifton FB Photo
Continue reading “Caitlyn Ridgeway to appear in Superior Court Friday”