Suspect Arrested In Wells Fargo Bank Robbery

A Texas man wanted for a Palmer Ranch bank robbery and robberies in three other states is facing charges by Sarasota County authorities.

Michael Aldridge, 39, of 5509 Westcreek Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, is charged by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for one count of bank robbery. He was wanted in connection with the  at 8595 S. Tamiami Trail.

Aldridge was arrested on a battery charge in Lee County on May 25 and remains in custody there until the FBI will transfer him to Jacksonville where he is wanted for at least one other bank robbery, and could face federal charges, according to the sheriff's office.

Shortly after the Wells Fargo surveillance images were released, detectives were contacted by the FBI who said the suspect resembled Aldridge, who was under investigation for multiple bank robberies in at least three states, according to the sheriff's office. Aldridge’s wife and a bank teller have now positively identified him as the suspect in the Sarasota case, according to the sheriff's office.

Aldridge's wife told the FBI that she and her daughter sat in the family's truck in the Kohl's parking lot beside the Wells Fargo Bank when Aldridge said he "went to do something," according to the affidavit. 

When Aldridge returned he, "jumped in the truck and sped off as he was removing his clothing. When Mrs. Aldridge asked what was going on, Michael Aldridge told her he had just robbed a bank," according to the affidavit.