Smyrna Man Accused Of Robbing 2 Marietta Banks Arrested: Police

MARIETTA, GA — A Smyrna man was arrested Wednesday in connection with two Marietta bank robberies, Marietta police said.

John Chavis, 35, was arrested as he exited the Bank of America on Cherokee Street "with several thousand dollars in stolen U.S. currency," the department said in a Thursday news release. He is also accused of robbing the Wells Fargo bank on Roswell Street, but police say he was able to take money and leave the scene before officers arrived.

According to Bank of America employees, Chavis came in just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and showed a note to the teller threatening violence if they did not give him $5,000. Police said he kept one hand under a towel and motioned as though he was holding a gun.

Bank employees activated the silent alarm system while the teller gathered cash and gave it to Chavis, police said. As he walked out the doors, Chavis was greeted by Marietta Police Department officers.

"Chavis refused to comply with verbal instructions but was taken into custody without incident," police said in the release.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Wells Fargo bank was also robbed, but the suspect was able to leave before officers were notified and dispatched. Chavis was identified and charged as the suspect in connection with that robbery.

Chavis was booked into the Cobb County jail and charged with multiple felony robbery by intimidation charges. He's being held in jail without bond.

Marietta police said each year, the department makes a "Holiday Season Crime Prevention Plan" which police credit for the quick arrest.

"Knowing that crime rates traditionally increase in specific areas around the holidays, [authorities] implement several strategies to deter crime when possible as well as prepare officers to properly respond when it occurs," department spokesperson Officer Chuck McPhilamy said in the release. "The swift coordinated response and safe capture of this suspect was a clear reflection of those plans and the intentional ongoing training being given to our officers."

Marietta police commended the way bank employees followed protocols and contacted 911 for help as soon as it was safe to do so. They also thanked Cobb County 911 call takers and dispatchers for their quick transmission of information.

“The way our community trusts and works together with MPD is a large part of how our crime rates have remained so low for the last several years," Chief Dan Flynn said in the release.