1.12.09: Bank Burglary
PRESS RELEASE
D’Iberville Police Chief Wayne Payne announced the arrest of 21 year old William Thomas of Mobile, AL, for Bank Robbery. Chief Payne provided that his agency was called to a report of a bank robbery of the Trustmark Bank. Upon arrival of Officers, the bank tellers provided a description of a white suspect, who was later identified as Thomas. The tellers were able to describe the suspect’s clothing and vehicle he was driving.
Chief Payne said because of a consolidated communications agreement between the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the D’Iberville Police Department, his agency was able to provided “real time” information, to Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies who were close to the City.
Within minutes, Deputy John Putnam spotted a vehicle that matched the description provided by bank employees. Subsequently, Deputy Putnam took Thomas into custody without incident.
While processing Thomas’ vehicle, Investigators recovered the money taken during the robbery, along with other evidence. Investigators also found evidence of the “exploded dye pack”, embedded in the money, inside Thomas’ vehicle.
Captain Keith Davis of the Criminal Investigations Division stated the success of Thomas’ apprehension resulted from good work on behalf of the bank employees and their awareness to details, good police work/cooperation between agencies and a little luck. Captain Davis said the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the Biloxi Police Department are to be commended for the immediate assistance provided during this investigation.
The police department seeks the assistance of the community for any information about criminal activity in the D’Iberville community. Please contact the Police Department at 228-396-4252 or Crime Stoppers. Callers can remain anonymous.
