Deputies Arrest Man That Robbed the NorthStar Bank in Belleair Bluffs
Updated: May 12, 2017
Pinellas Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a bank robbery suspect who robbed a NorthStar Bank.
The robbery occurred at approximately 2:19 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 715 Indian Rocks Road in Belleair Bluffs.
According to detectives, once inside the bank, the suspect walked up to the teller demanding cash. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash. Prior to leaving the bank, the suspect stated: “I left something for you”. Employees reported a small bag left by the suspect placed by the front door of the bank.
The suspect fled from the bank on foot in a northbound direction.
Investigators say the bank was evacuated, and the Tampa Police Bomb Squad responded. There was no destructive device found in the bag, left by the suspect.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 60-years-old, tall, thin build, 150 lbs. to 175 lbs., unshaven, with a gray mustache, wearing a black thick button up shirt, blue jeans, and a black, red and white colored ball cap.
The Sheriff’s Office provided an update to this case on May 12, 2017.
Detectives searched for the suspect vehicle and located the, 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, suspected to have been used in the bank robbery.
Detectives later observed the male suspect to be the driver of the suspect vehicle 2006 Chevrolet pick-up truck. The description of the suspect male driver matched the identity of the Bank Robbery suspect. Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the City of St Petersburg.
Investigators say 56-year-old Kelly S. Ford agreed to be interviewed and was transported to the Sheriffs Administration building.
Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to determine and positively identify the suspect as, Kelly S. Ford.
Ford was charged with one count of robbery and one count of planting a hoax bomb.
Ford was arrested without incident and was transported to the Pinellas County jail.
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