Feds Will Hold Cody Toolis On Bank Robbery Charge

TIVERTON, RI — Cody Toolis appeared in Providence federal court on Tuesday on a bank robbery charge. Toolis, 27, is accused of robbing the Bank Newport branch in Tiverton on April 2. According to court papers, he allegedly passed the teller a note. It said, “Do not move, I have a gun, need $500 in 20’s, I am desperate.” The judge ordered him to be held in federal custody.

Toolis turned himself in to Bristol police on April 9. Tiverton police had received tips he was implicated in the bank robbery after they posted a surveillance camera photograph on their Facebook page. Several people and police departments called Tiverton to say they recognized Toolis.

He was charged with bank robbery and ordered held at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

"Toolis was also identified as being wanted by the Dartmouth Police Department in connection with the alleged felony purse snatching from a 76-year-old woman a few days earlier," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. According to the court documents, Toolis "allegedly stole a car in New Bedford, Mass.," from a woman who left it running outside her home. He drive the car to Tiverton where he allegedly robbed the bank.

Tiverton police said the teller never saw a gun. She gave Toolis $460. She told police "he was rushing her" when she was giving him the money, and he fled as soon as he had it. Another witness saw him in the bank parking lot with a car. Police later said the description matched the stolen New Bedford car. That car was recovered in Fall River, Mass., on April 9.

Police said after the Tiverton bank robbery, Toolis asked a former girl friend to help him surrender to police.

Courtesy Photo