Bank Robber Arrested In North County Traffic Stop: Police

ESCONDIDO, CA — Authorities arrested a man accused of robbing a bank in northern San Diego County.

A masked man handed a demand note to a teller at 10:37 a.m. Wednesday at the U.S. Bank at 2369 East Valley Parkway in Escondido, according to the Escondido Police Department. The message stated that he had a gun and demanded money.

"The teller complied and the suspect fled with the money," Escondido police Lt. Ryan Hicks said.

Witnesses said the suspect was driving a black Toyota Prius. A short time later, an Escondido patrol officer spotted the car in the area of Rose Street and Valley Parkway, Hicks said.

Witnesses identified the driver as the robber. Officers found the stolen money, demand note and mask inside the suspect's vehicle, Hicks said.

Gary Smyers, 77, of Escondido was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of robbery.