Deputies say a 60-year-old Bradenton man turned a quiet Friday morning at a Wells Fargo into a low-budget heist movie, complete with a bucket hat and a getaway van, before getting caught across the county line.
According to investigators, the man walked into the Wells Fargo branch on 53rd Avenue East in Bradenton, set a bucket hat on the counter, demanded cash from a teller and then took off heading south in a white van. Officials later identified the suspect as Joel Bales. He was tracked into Sarasota, taken into custody and is being held at the Sarasota County Jail while detectives continue their investigation.
Bucket Hat Demand Turns Into Countywide Manhunt
Investigators say Bales did not mince words. He allegedly told the teller, "This is no joke, this is a robbery, give me all your money and no dye pack," before leaving the branch with cash in hand. Deputies quickly pushed out a description of the white van, and officers in Sarasota later spotted the vehicle in the 1700 block of Washington Boulevard, where they detained the suspect, according to the Bradenton Herald.
Deputies Say He Acted Alone, Cash Recovered
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office told reporters it believes Bales acted alone. All of the cash taken during the holdup was recovered, although officials are not saying exactly how much money was involved. Local reporting notes the encounter unfolded just before 11 a.m. at the 53rd Avenue East branch and that no one was hurt. Bales will be booked at the Sarasota County Jail, according to the Bradenton Herald.
Robbery Charge, Case Still Open
Detectives are still piecing together what led up to the robbery and the short-lived escape. They have asked anyone who might have surveillance video from the area or additional information to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office as the investigation continues.
Bales faces a robbery charge and remains in custody while deputies and prosecutors review the case, as reported by FOX 13.
