Published: December 31, 2008 08:09 pm      

Year-End 5: Meridian hit by rash of bank robberies

Did someone put a sign up advertising Meridian was giving away money in 2008?

"It was an unprecedented year for Meridian and the Meridian Police Department in terms of how many bank robberies occurred in the last 12 months," said MPD Chief Benny DuBose. "The number of bank robberies was up from years past but I don't attribute that to any one cause such as the economy. I think it was just one of those years."

Meridian suffered seven bank robberies in 2008.

The first two incidents occurred at the same bank location and reportedly by the same person. Glay Gary Walker, who was dubbed the "Billy Goat Bandit" by agents of the FBI, is said to have robbed the Citizen's National Express Bank location on North Hills Street in March and June. He was later arrested in Mobile, Ala. Walker reportedly confessed to at least 10 bank heists throughout the Southeast.

The month of July saw the heat turn up dramatically as three banks in four business days were hit by bandits.

On July 26 Great Southern National Bank at Bonita Lakes Circle was allegedly robbed followed two days later by the Commercial Bank branch on Hwy. 39 North. On July 29, Bank Plus on Hwy. 19 North was targeted by two Philadelphia men who were arrested later that day.

Another Great Southern National Bank location, this time on 22nd Avenue, was reportedly hit Sept. 25 by a bank robber who FBI agents called the "Rush Hour Robber." Stuart L. Vance was later caught in Indiana and is accused of at least two other bank heists.

The latest incident happened Dec. 19. The Citizen's National Bank location at North Hills Street and Hwy. 39 North was reportedly robbed by a man who is still at large.

Lt. James Sharpe, interim commander of the MPD's Investigative Division said three of the bank robbery cases are still active.

"We are still diligently working these cases trying to apprehend the suspects," said Sharpe, who has been with the MPD for 17 years. "This is the most bank robberies we've had since I've been here."

No bank employees were injured in any of the robberies.