Tyler Bank Robbed, Suspect Caught

TYLER — A suspect in a Tyler bank robbery has been caught shortly after the crime was committed. And he was caught at his home only four blocks away. Shortly after 1:00 yesterday afternoon, Tyler police responded to Regions Bank at 100 East Ferguson. According to police, Samuel Dwayne Carroll, 45, presented a note to the teller informing her that he was robbing the bank. After receiving the money, police say Carroll fled the bank on foot. No one was hurt.

Officers searched the area and located a man matching the description of the suspect standing on the porch of a residence at 507 East Ferguson. Upon further investigation investigators determined that Carroll was the suspect. His Linked in page says Carroll is a preacher at God’s Amazing Grace Ministries. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Carroll’s residence to locate evidence possibly connected to the robbery. He was charged with robbery, a 2nd degree felony, and was booked into the Smith County Jail.