Suspect allegedly took $100 from Wells Fargo, used it to buy cigarettes at Freedom Gas

A 48-year-old Austin man was arrested after allegedly robbing the Wells Fargo Austin branch of $100 Saturday, and using it to buy cigarettes.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said bank officials called police at about 1:15 p.m. Saturday after a man wearing a blue hat with a horseshoe symbol on it came up to a teller window to exchange $1 bill for a gold coin. When the teller came back with the coin, the suspect slipped a note to her saying to give him a $100 bill. According to a police report, the teller at first didn’t think the suspect was serious, but the man told bank workers to give him the amount listed on the note, don’t tell anyone else and give him five minutes.

The teller eventually gave the suspect $100 and called police.

Krueger said police thought they recognized the suspect based on his description and searched for him at his residence, nearby bars and the Austin Public Library. Meanwhile, the suspect allegedly walked to Freedom Gas Station at Oakland Avenue West and Fourth Street. Krueger said video footage from the gas station shows the suspect bought a pack of cigarettes using a $100 bill.

Police found the suspect walking eastbound on Oakland Avenue at about 1:50 p.m., and caught up to him near Home Federal Savings Bank at 201 W. Oakland Ave.

Krueger said the suspect was arrested and taken to Wells Fargo, where bank workers identified him as the robber. He is at the Mower County jail awaiting formal charges.

Krueger said no one was injured and the suspect wasn’t carrying any weapons.

A local Wells Fargo official declined to comment.