Valpo bank robbed for fourth time in four months

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| Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | (73 comment(s))

Times Staff Report

VALPARAISO | The man who has been robbing the First National Bank branch at 2904 John Howell Drive every few weeks struck again Tuesday morning.

Tuesday's robbery was the fourth at the bank in less than four months -- and police say all the robberies are believed to be related.

"We're pretty sure it's the same guy, based on the physical description," said Sgt. Michael Grennes, police spokesman.

Police said the robber is a Hispanic man in his mid-20s. He is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds and has a "stocky" build.

During the latest robbery, which occurred about 10 a.m. Tuesday, the robber handed the clerk a note and got an undisclosed amount of money.

The bank also was robbed July 13, Sept. 14 and Oct. 4. In each of the four robberies, the robber was last seen running westbound from the bank.

Grennes said police were at the bank within 30 seconds after the Tuesday’s robbery, but the robber was already gone. Police had a dog attempt to track the robber's scent and the dog was leading officers southwest toward the university area.

Valparaiso police were joined at the scene by Valparaiso University police, Porter County police, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the FBI.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the robberies is asked to call police at (219) 462-2135.

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Another Union Twp . Resident wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:38 PM:

" I am also going to defend the Porter County Sheriff's department , who are spread to thin and Yes are under paid . They are sworn to unhold the law , serve and protect . And just like robbing a bank is against the law , I do believe that driving under the infulence and using drugs is also against the Law . Sounds to me like we have some people on here that perhaps have been busted for doing one of the above or maybe all of the above . If you think you can do a better job than the Sheriff's Department I have good news for you they are hiring go APPLY ! I do not want their job and appreciate the great job they do , especially after reading some of these comments , they are what stands between you and I , and for that I am grateful ! "

U R ALL IDIOTS wrote on Nov 5, 2007 5:03 PM:

" Why dont you peel your butt away from the computer and keep your eyes open for this guy when you are out. This isnt the bank or the police officers fault its the moran robbing the place! Who cares if county or city have more jurisdiction? All I care is if I call 911 help comes. Some of you are complaining that cops are busting people drinking and wreckless driving. Well that is part of their job to keep us safe from others neglect. And the people busted drinking or smoking pot, well your dumb. Keep that stuff for the privacy of your own home! Not when you're on the road with me and my kids! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK PC AND VALPO PD! To the rest of you get a hobby! "

Inside Job? wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:38 PM:

" Could be! It wouldn't be the first time. Look at Subway and Walgreens. Reports came in about roberies, police tracking "persons of interest." Only to find they were commited by employees without very much supervision or accountability. "

Let's all stop pointing the finger at the cops wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Hello...I have read through all of the comments here and it seems to me that people need to give the cops a break. Yes, the bank has been robbed 4 times. Yes, the cops have not been able to find the robber. It is possible the guy has ran somewhere and gotten into a car...so if this is the case, how do you suspect the cops can find him? I surely cannot answer the question, and I find it ridiculous that everyone is blaming the bank or the cops....how about blaming the ROBBER. He is the one who is doing this robbing. That section of town is so busy with people, it isn't a mystery as to why the robber gets away. I am glad that the cops are out getting 19 year old kids who are smoking joints and catching the people running red lights. Maybe the citizens of Valparaiso should stop running red lights and doing drugs so that the cops have time to look for the robber and so that they will not be tied up with these violations. "

Around and around and around… wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:26 PM:

" I heard the Valpo police were dispatched to the robbery while it was in progress; but, they got stuck in the roundabout and got dizzy. By the time the dizziness passed, the robber had escaped. "

tony wrote on Nov 4, 2007 11:43 AM:

" he has a nice get away car some where? or he might work at broadway? who knows?. not being caught as fast as police are getting there he possibily be kicken ground back by the old rock cory. and then through- -old nudist park! i my self have been back there ther is also old sewer and septic tanks he can get in and avoid dog and county air chopper.then come up out of the ground later. possibly hideing in duffys bar if exiting nudist camp.you know people in bars thay dont pay much att; to much after the first drink unless you walk in screeming or bleeding. "

robert wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:54 AM:

" this guy runs onto my property he will not live to rob again "

robert wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:52 AM:

" this guy runs onto my property after a robbery he will never rob again "

robert wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:41 AM:

" i live very close to the bank if he runs onto my property the police wont be needed only the coroner "

loan for every one wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:44 AM:

" Maybe this person was denied a loan like lots of other banks use to, in the pass. "

A bunch of dummies wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:41 AM:

" Police are a bunch of dummies in Valpo because there are convics who know that Valpo police are petty, and trying to fine any one voitating the the petty crimes, while our banks repeatedly contuinue to get robbed, even by the same guy. "

to Union Twp . Resident wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:26 PM:

" I don't know what Porter County you work for, but porter county indiana, along with Valpo pd, are too busy dui hunting and traffic hunting to actually patrol! Granted, that is part of their job, but so is patroling the neighborhoods and businesses...that is why they are called PATROL officers aren't they? "

PICTURE PLEASE wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Why has there been no pictures in the paper? As a citizen I would like to see a picture of this guy from either of the last 2 robberies so that I could help possible identify him if seen on the street, etc.!! The only thing I have seen is on the Valpo Police Departments website. "

unreal!!!! wrote on Nov 3, 2007 7:04 AM:

" I sit here and read these moronic comments by people and are baffles. Everyone says, well if the cops would stop harrassing people running red lights and work on real crimes. come on...are you kidding me. Now if the police didn't stop those cars and someone ran a red light and killed someone, everyone on here would be saying, why arn't the stupid police patrolling the stop lights. Jesus you people are unreal. No matter what the police do, YOU will critize them. Give me a break. Porter County PD and Valpo, keep up the good work!!!!!! "

KJ wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:11 AM:

" Same person, same bank, 4 times in 4 months....HELLO, SOMETHING IS FOUL IN THE AIR!! "

Yes , Union Twp Cop Is Right ! wrote on Nov 2, 2007 5:58 PM:

" This Bank is not covered by the Porter County Sheriff's Department , it is in the city of Valparaiso , therefore it falls under the Valparaiso Police Department . Why should my tax dollars go to protect the city of Valparaiso, let the VPD take care of Valparaiso . Our County officers do an excellent job one I would not have . These Officers are spread to thin and they are also under paid . To the Porter County Sheriff's Department, I appreciate the job you do ! "

Please wrote on Nov 2, 2007 5:08 PM:

" Why would the bank tellers risk their lives for money that isn't theirs? I know I wouldn't. I feel bad for them. I wouldn't want to go back to work unless I can take my gun with me. "

Re: Tuff Guys wrote on Nov 2, 2007 2:43 PM:

" Yeah, what jerks the cops are for busting people for DUI! What a waste of time, getting drunk drivers off the road. I mean, really, what a buzz kill! ARE YOU KIDDING??? Let's just let people drive drunk and kill themselves and others. Great idea! Sounds to me like someone who has found themself in hot water for DUI! Moron. If you think it's so easy to catch a bank robber, step up! We're all waiting anxiously for you to catch the guy. "

JB wrote on Nov 2, 2007 2:18 PM:

" Let's see...blame the cops, blame the bank, blame the victims, blame the neighborhood, blame the city of Valpo. Mmmmm, let's blame your elderly grandmother too. "

Concerned Resident wrote on Nov 2, 2007 6:08 AM:

" I only live a block away from this bank and really hope they catch this "idiot" soon so my family and I can feel a little safer. It's sad when your children cant play outside because there's a bank robber on the loose in the area. Catch this SCUM BAG and lock him up for 50 years where he belongs! I just want to feel a little safer again! "

TUFF GUYS wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:24 PM:

" PORTER COUNTY NEEDS TO STOP BEING MR RANKED NUMBER ONE POLICE OFFICER FOR DUIS AND BUSTING PEOPLES LITTLE GET TOGETHERS.......NOW THEY GOT A BANKED ROBBED 4 TIMES AND DONT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION.....GO BACK TO POLICE ACADEMY "

ut cop is right wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:41 PM:

" the PorterCoSherriff should not be spending much time in valpo proper. in fact, maybe you forgot a couple years ago they were told they were there TOO MUCH. fact is, PCSherriff is responsible for a much larger area, and therefore must spread its resources out to the entire county, who is paying their wages as well. valpo has a PD, therefore should have sufficient coverage, and only need occasional backup. County cops are supposed to be supporting the rest of the count mainly. my 2 cents on the robbery....that bank is failing its employees and clients by not providing enough security. its the banks responsibility to do this. lets hope this guy gets caught soon. sure wish theyd put up a better picture.....if they had one..... "

I watch too much t.v. wrote on Nov 1, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Who's the cop working the case, Barney Fife? "

Union Twp . Resident wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Yes , I do understand the chain of command being a Police officer . "

If you're reading this wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:23 AM:

" This guy is probably loving the attention he's getting from everyone arguing whose fault this is instead of working together to catch him. Hey buddy, if you're reading this, you're a coward. Have fun in jail. "

Whoever's fault it is, something needs to be done... wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Please stop blaming the employees. The employees aren't to blame unless it's an inside job that involves these tellers. Let's say the teller decides to try to stop this guy and gets seriously injured or killed. Then who will you blame this on? Employees at the branch need to be AWARE of EVERYTHING going on around them. There are telltale signs of someone coming in with evil intentions. Are his unglasses still on, is he looking around a lot, are his hands in his pockets until he's at the counter? It might be scary, but look this guy directly in the eyes as you deal with him. He's coming back because the employees are intimidated. Employees probably feel betrayed by the company and police since the robber hasn't been caught yet. Branch management NEEDS to back up their employees and do EVERYTHING in their power to keep customers' and employees' safety as their top priority! Hire that security guard/officer! Can't the police lift prints off the piece of paper this robber is handing to the teller? I don't know ALL the facts, but there seems to be a lack of common sense in dealing with this case. "

are some of you people serious?? wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:30 AM:

" how dare anyone blame the tellers or the people that work at that branch! its not their job to stop robberies! you work as a bank teller and refuse the robber, we'll see if you live much longer to tell the tale. "

?? wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:21 AM:

" this is not the employees fault! They can't help it if someone is going to walk-in and rob the bank. they can control that about as much as you & I can control the weather. Please don't be so ignorant and think about what you are saying. As for the "joint, bar grazing, donut eatibng" comments you are only making those if you are a individual that has been caught for is in fear of being caught OWI or drugs. yes there are certain that can be done now, but the "solutions" you have may not be as easy as you think. "

RE: Union Twp. Resident wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Maybe you should get YOUR facts straight. Ultimately, PC Sheriff's Dept. has just as much and more jurisdiction in Valpo. Do you understand how the chain of command works? Valpo has jurisdiction in Valpo, PC has jurisdiction anywhere in PC, Ind State Police have jurisdiction anywhere in Indiana...There should be enough PC deputies on duty to help on the call. "

Feeling Unsafe wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:53 AM:

" Way to go VPD! Sounds to me like the streets are unsafe and there needs to be a change in administration. Maybe they should focus more on the public's saftey rather than getting moved into there pretty new building. "

Union Twp . Resident wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:31 PM:

" To Perhaps: This bank is in the Valparaiso Police Department jurisdiction not The Porter County Sheriff Department . MY County police department provided some back up and a canine to help search for the bank robber along with the Valparaiso University police , the DNR and the FBI. Porter County Sheriff department does an outstanding job . Always helps if you have your facts straight before making a statement . "

Crimestoppers? wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:04 PM:

" I don't live in Valpo anymore, but doesn't Valpo have a program like Crimestoppers which gives a reward leading to the arrest of this felon? Someone is going to notice this guy having extra money or bragging about these robberies. I don't understand why everyone is belittling the employees of this bank. The tellers and the loan officers are just doing their jobs. I am glad no one has gotten hurt or killed. I am with "Tim". The next time they call in a robbery, they need to tell the police that the robber has a joint in his mouth while he is robbing the bank and they will catch him for sure. In this scenerio, Vegas has 9 seconds as the over/under for the Valpo city cops to get there. "

donna wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:13 PM:

" I just hope we here in valpo don't start attracting other criminals because we are an easy hit. "

Peter wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:51 PM:

" The guy wasn't running away. He was in a Chevy Malibu and that's why the cops didn't see him. "

They will catch him this time wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:55 PM:

" They gave him two dye packs and they both exploded. That dye heats up to 400 degrees, he has sever burns. He will have to go to the hospital. The dogs tracked him to VU. I'm guessing he doesn't go there but rather lives in those crappy apartments behind where the Big Wheel used to be. "

Cleatus and Brandine wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:15 PM:

" Maybe Cleatus and Brandine would make better security guards at the bank. Homer Simpson must be the bank manager. "

Perhaps... wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:00 PM:

" It's time for Porter County PD to stop harrassing the bar scenes and donut shops and really TRY to serve and protect instead of invade and harass! Losers! "

Funny! wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:30 PM:

" OK! All you guys are wrong. It obvious that the guy is not driving the new Chevy Malibu! For those of you who do not know what I am talking about watch the new Chevy Malibu commercial. "

anb wrote on Oct 31, 2007 11:27 AM:

" This is getting ridiculous. I wonder how many others that are short on cash this holiday season are going to see how easy it is to get rich quick with no consequences. "

Security! wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Security measures were increased: Additional security cameras were installed outside with strobes. At the same time Dye-Packs were installed. When the dye-pack explodes, it releases an aerosol of red smoke, red dye and, in some cases, tear gas. When these chemical reactions take place, the package burns at a temperature of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. He got two of them, I can't believe that no one would notice a guy running with red smoke coming out of him. Come on members of the community quite posting negative comments and help out the area, there is a reward to anyone who provides information leading to his arrest. "

Same-O wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:23 AM:

" I'm not convinced it's the same guy. The description is very common for the age and ethnic group. He or she will probably be back. Maybe gang initiation? "

Ditto DUH ! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:16 PM:

" How in the world did he get away this time if the VPD arrived in 30 seconds . Were any of them looking around for this guy on the way there ? "

The Jelly-Filled Kid wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:15 PM:

" Time to send this to Leno or O'Brien. "

NTheNo wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:36 PM:

" Perhaps if they haven't yet, they should be looking in to the employees in that bank. I find it interesting that this person keeps hitting the same bank over and over. He's probably right under their noses and no one suspects a thing. "

Too Busy wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:30 PM:

" The Valpo police officers must be too busy stopping all of the idiots running the redlights in town or are riding in circles at the must have roundabout. "

I'm no Heratio Cain but... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:22 PM:

" Ever heard of marking all bank robber bills with an ink bomb so when the cash bag is open the robber gets blasted with unwashable residue? Valpo's finest was on scene within 30 seconds. Valpo isn't exactly the cultural melting pot of America so finding a short stocky 20 something old Hispanic man beating feet near the bank shouldn't be that hard to spot. But then again the same guy has only hit the same bank successfully four times in a row. Maybe such a scumbag idiot will be hard up for cash around Christmas. It's just a hunch. "

First National/1st Source - Perfect Fit? I Think Not! - 2 wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:10 PM:

" The employees at this branch are not morons; this is there job/career of choice. Why should they be put down, they've done nothing wrong? The CEO has nothing lose. The bank gets robbed, the tellers are threatened and emotionally wounded, he gets to go back to his cozy little office and rake in the big bucks. Sounds a little unfair if you ask me, but I'm very biased as this has affected my life personally. Someone very close to me was one of the two tellers that was robbed the third time the robber hit, since then this teller has resigned. So my sources are very accurate, should anyone disagree, other than the CEO of 1st Source. "

Camera Views wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:40 PM:

" The first time it was robbed they had a great shot of his face. Now why after 4 times they can not catch him? "

frustrating wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:16 PM:

" I don't think it was an inside job, the guy hit different tellers each time. The problem is he is getting more confident since he hasn't been caught yet. The bank did install more cameras, it just took some time and there was also VPD patrolling the area. This guy had to be casing the bank to know when the cops were not there. Remember one thing...it isn't First Nationals call anymore, they were bought by 1st Source, what are they going to do about it? "

Valpo Resident wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:09 PM:

" Possible Inside job? Maybe. I have seen more cameras on the outside of their building. I don't blame the bank for not putting a security guard in their lobby. Look at what happened in hammond...the robbers got away with the guards gun and tied him up. As a customer I am concerned for my safety walking in and out of the building and for the safety of my bankers while they are working. Pretty soon the only people ever in that office will be its employees because no one is going to want to bank there! "

could it possibly be.... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 7:50 PM:

" that this is an inside job? "

kk wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:48 PM:

" TO ME IT SOUNDS DEFINATELY LIKE AN INSIDE JOB. COME ON THE BANK AND WHO WORKS THERE ARE SO STUPID, I NEVER HEARD OF A BANK GETTING ROBBED AND THEN ROBBED 4 TIMES COME ON. WHAT IS THE BANK HEAD EMPLOYEES DOING THERE. I WOULD BE QUITING FROM THAT BANK, NO WAY WOULD I PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE IF THE PRSIDENT AND BOSSES DONT CARE. "

Randy wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:26 PM:

" The bank should worry if their customers feel safe.I think they should at least have outside video surveillance to help direct police toward the criminal.At least no one has gotten hurt. "

DNR wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:12 PM:

" Conservation Officers are sworn police officers. "

Dillinger wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:10 PM:

" Geez.......do ya think they see a patern here. Barney Fife must be the security guard. "

concerned customer wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Having a security guard on site would put the bank employees more at risk of injury or worse. "

WHAT ??? wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:18 PM:

" why don't the post apolice officer in the branch. have him be ununiformed posing as a teller. the only problem would be not having it printed in the paper that they are putting him there. these poor bank employees have to be really scared. "

This is nuts wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:16 PM:

" How stupid are the people at First National Bank-what kind of morons work there. DO SOMETHING-like shut the bank down, hire a security guard-at least put up more cameras "

Tiffany wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Did anyone ever think that this is an inside job. Its just too weird that he keeps robbing this bank and getting away with it. Watch they will find out that someone on the inside is helping out, It is prob. the security guard. "

Big D wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:55 PM:

" I'll make sure I don't bank there!! "

Sheesh wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:35 PM:

" Serves them right to get held up four times in as many months if they can't beef up security. Glad they don't provide my banking needs. "

ridiculous wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:28 PM:

" This is ridiculous that it keeps happening. I am sure if they were to police officers in the back this would not happen. Four times is a joke. You have to wonder about the bank management. "

hmmm wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:25 PM:

" Can you say, "inside job"? "

Another response wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:56 PM:

" I agree,the number of robberies at this bank is awful. I would expect they would have excellent cameras and not need to rely on others, that's a sad situation. I'm not sure about an armed guard though. right now the robber gives them a note and leaves no one is injured physically. Add an armed guard into it and someone could be injured or killed. I think an armed guard may be more harm than good. The robber obviously isn't getting much money or he wouldn't have to make monthly visits, and any amount is not worth a human life. "

DNR? wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:52 PM:

" Why is the DNR anywhere near this? Do they think a deer is the culprit? Go back to the woods! "

Got to be kidding me! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:21 PM:

" This is a joke! Talk about the Keystone Cops! Good Grief Charlie Brown! "

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 1:33 PM:

" If I were that bank I would seriously start investigating my employees!!! Sounds pretty fishy to me! "

Quite Comical wrote on Oct 30, 2007 1:16 PM:

" I really think this is getting to be pretty funny. Glad I don't work at this bank... or at the local PD for that matter! Ha! "

way to go! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:37 PM:

" come on valpo pd 4 times? someone needs to start doing their job. you would think after the 2nd or 3rd they would of had a cop sitting there for security! "

Come on, now wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:36 PM:

" my god this is stupid now. How many times does this guy have to get away from robbing the same bank, I would've thought by the 2nd robbery that at least they( First National Bank) would've hired security personal. My guessing is that this is a inside job "

what is the problem? wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:19 PM:

" Why can't they catch this guy? I heard that the last robbery police had to ask red robbin for their surveilence video cuz theirs is better than the banks. How sad is that? Why isnt their security or a cop or something at this bank? I know others in Valpo that havent been robbed yet they have security. This is pathetic that this bank keeps getting robbed by the same person. "

Are these people stupid?? wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:16 PM:

" WHY haven't they hired a Security Guard by now?!?!?!? "

Duh wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:11 PM:

" Ummmm Hello? Why is there not an armed security guard or two if this bank is constantly hit? "

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