Big Sandy Bank Robbery Linked to Tyler Auto Theft

BIG SANDY — Big Sandy police continue their search for two bank robbers in an incident that’s been linked to an auto theft in Tyler. KETK reports the Big Sandy incident happened around 2:00 Friday afternoon at the First National Bank in the 900 block of West Broadway Street. Police say the robbers entered the bank and demanded cash from the clerk. It’s unknown if any weapons were involved. The two then made off in a stolen car that was taken from Tyler. They then stopped at a nearby car wash and switched vehicles. They were last seen driving a burgundy BMW heading west on Highway 80. Police say the driver of the car is a female. They say no one was injured in the robbery.

Shortly before 8:45 Friday morning, Tyler officers responded to Pinnacle at North Chase apartments at 3651 North Broadway. A 45-year-old woman who was visiting family told officers she was approached by a black male suspect in the parking lot in front of building #4. The suspect pulled out a chrome handgun and demanded her keys to her vehicle, a 2005 dark gray Honda Accord 4-door. The suspect obtained the victim’s keys and drove off in her vehicle in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as 6 feet tall, approximately 25 years old, slender build, wearing a gray hoodie. No one was injured during the robbery. Tyler police were later notified by authorities in Big Sandy that they had recovered the stolen vehicle from the Pinnacle incident. Authorities say the stolen vehicle was the one used by the robbers before it was abandoned at the car wash.

Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to contact authorities. If desired, you may contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler/Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against suspects in this case or any felony case.