Salem Police Capture Bank Robber

Salem-News.com

(Salem) - Police apprehended a suspected bank robber Thursday after some good teamwork with the city`s code enforcement division.

It began shortly after 1:00 PM when bank employees at the Oregon Community Credit Union at 890 Lancaster Dr NE, reported a robbery.

They said a male subject had displayed a small handgun and demanded money. The man then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, according to Salem Police Lt. Steven Birr.

Salem Police officers responded to the bank, as well as to the area to search for the suspect.

A Salem Code Enforcement officer or `red shirt" as they are commonly known in the capitol city`s downtown, saw a man resembling the suspect from the bank robbery and quickly called the information in to other officers.

While officers were checking the area, the Community Enforcement Division's Stan Leinonen called in the suspect sighting at Lancaster Dr. NE and Auburn Rd.

Birr says Officers Zambrano and Rowe located the suspect and quickly determined he was still in possession of the money as well as a toy pistol.

It is interesting to note that Salem-News.com ran a recent feature on toy guns with research compiled by Salem Police Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer. The article explained how toy guns are often mistaken for real guns, and vice verse. Thursday`s bank robbery suspect used a toy gun, that obviously was mistaken for the real thing.

45-Dale Eric Garcia of 3871 Auburn Rd. NE in Salem was arrested and charged with Robbery in the Second Degree.

The Salem Police Department will continue their investigation according to Birr, in cooperation with the F.B.I.