Clearwater Police Help Nab Largo Bank Robbery Suspect

Clearwater Police assisted Largo investigators Friday in the arrest of a 42-year-old man, in connection to the robbery of the Fifth Third Bank in Largo.

Jerome Walker was taken into custody on Drew Street in Clearwater. The suspect was spotted driving his truck, at which time Clearwater Police officers and Largo Police detectives pulled over the vehicle.

He faces charges of Armed Bank Robbery and Placing a Hoax Bomb, in connection to the June 3 bank robbery at 1698 Missouri Ave.

According to investigators, the suspect entered the bank carrying a backpack. He allegedly told a teller that it contained a bomb. After the teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled on a bicycle, leaving behind the backpack.

The bank was evacuated. The Tampa Bomb Squad responded and determined that the backpack did not contain any explosives.

After investigating tips from the community, Largo Police detectives identified Walker as a "person of interest" in this case.  

Investigators said that they were able to positively identify Walker, after forensic analysis and investigation.

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