ROGERS — Police arrested a man Tuesday they believe robbed a First Western Bank branch in May, according to a news release.
They arrested Anthony T. Barnes, 31, at his home. Barnes is also accused of robbing a First Federal Bank and Bank of the Ozarks in early July. He was free on bond when arrested on the new warrant.
He left Bank of the Ozarks, 800 N. 47th St., with a bag containing more than $2,500, court documents state. A teller slipped a tracking device into the money bag.
Less than an hour earlier, he left First Federal Bank, 1303 W. Hudson Road, without any money. He had brandished what appeared to be a pistol, but was actually a BB gun, court documents state.
He was arrested and charged in connection with those two robberies.
The investigation following Barnes’ July arrest resulted in information and evidence that linked him to the May robbery, the release stated.
He’s being held in the Benton County Jail awaiting a bond hearing in connection with felony aggravated robbery, first-degree false imprisonment and theft of property.
During a bond hearing following Barnes’ previous arrest, a deputy prosecutor said police believe Barnes is responsible for eight other bank robberies in Springdale, Fayetteville and Tontitown.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Barnes in connection with the robbery of a First Federal Bank in Tontitown on Oct. 7, 2008, criminal investigation division Sgt. Bret Hagan said. Investigators still need to examine evidence taken by Rogers police during a search of Barnes’ home, he said.
Spokesmen with Fayetteville and Springdale police did not return phone calls Tuesday.