The Knoxville Police Department apprehended 54-year-old Steve Herman in connection with a bank robbery that occurred at the Truist Bank on Kingston Pike. Herman was charged with bank robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.
On the day of the robbery, Herman reportedly entered the bank and handed a teller a note that stated, "This is a robbery, stay calm, I have a gun" and demanded $10,000. However, he managed to leave with only about $850. WVLT reported that the Knoxville Police Department officials identified Herman as the suspect and detained him on the same day of the incident.
Surveillance footage from a nearby establishment, Union Place Bar & Grill, along with FLOCK camera data, were instrumental in tracking Herman's vehicle, a black Nissan Xterra, and eventually locating him. According to WVLT, authorities relied heavily on these visual aids to tie the car to the area around the time of the robbery.
Herman's apprehension was also accelerated by a citizen's tip, indicating that he would be present near West High School on the day of the arrest. An anonymous source provided information to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, further aiding police efforts. The suspect "was identified in part through tips submitted to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers," WATE added.
