Editor’s note: The suspect’s name has been removed because charges were dismissed.
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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A court commissioner threw out a case against a bank robbery suspect Monday.
The 55-year-old man had been charged with a felony count of robbery of a financial institution stemming from last Friday’s robbery of the Associated Bank, 200 N. Adams St.
However, during Monday’s court appearance, the suspect’s attorney argued he should not be charged with robbery of a financial institution because that statute requires the use of force or imminent force.
Court Commissioner Paul Burke agreed and dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could re-file the case.
Prosecutors alleged the man walked into the bank and presented to a teller a handwritten note demanding “100s, 50s and 20s.” The man then said to the teller, “I want it all. All of it,” in a “calm and reserved” but “stern” voice, according to the criminal complaint.
The teller turned over about $2,500, which the man put into his backpack.
Police quickly tracked down the suspect a few blocks away and arrested him. The complaint says the man admitted going into the bank, requesting and receiving money.
The suspect, who said he was homeless, alternately told police he got the money to buy something to drink, or to get a motel room for the night.
Money was found in the suspect’s backpack.
