A Rochester man has been arrested for stealing nearly half-a-million dollars from a bank in Monroe County.
On April 7, at approximately 4:09 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the M&T Bank at 6560 Fourth Section Road in the Town of Sweden for the report of a robbery. Deputies and Brockport Police officers quickly secured the scene and began gathering information. They determined a man entered the bank wearing a reflective vest with his face covered with a cloth mask carrying a duffle bag. He displayed a handgun and ordered everyone inside the women’s bathroom. The suspect forced the manager to open the safe, stole $452,600, and left in a blue Honda Civic. Deputies broadcast the description of the suspect and vehicle.
Approximately 30 minutes later, a concerned citizen called 911 saying there was a suspicious blue Honda Civic in the area of Lake Road and Roosevelt Highway in the Town of Hamlin. A man was reportedly wiping down the car and removing the license plates. The witnesses also saw a black SUV with Florida license plates in the area. Deputies scoured the area and located the vehicle in the rear parking lot of 1800 Lake Rd. Further investigation led deputies to a suite in the vicinity, where they located evidence of the robbery, including the money. The two individuals were detained for investigation. One man, 49-year-old John Savage, was arrested and charged with robbery in the first degree and grand larceny in the second degree, both felonies.
“This incident terrorized the bank employees. The investigation exemplifies exceptional teamwork and the synchronized investigation of multiple crime scenes, resulting in the apprehension of a dangerous criminal and the recovery of a significant sum of money,” said Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “The vigilant community member, who saw something suspicious and called 911, leading deputies to the suspect, is to be commended. We’re grateful for the support and continued partnership of the Brockport and Greece Police Departments.”
Savage was transported to the Monroe County Jail and arraigned in CAP Court, held on $50,000 cash, or $50,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators believe the suspect vehicle traveled west on Fourth Section Road out of the bank parking lot, went north on Redman Road, east on Roosevelt Highway before stopping near 1703 Lake Road. Anyone with video of the vehicles along that route or anyone with information is asked to email [email protected], or call 911.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
