Suspects Arrested for Threat of Bomb in Bank Robbery

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Two Washington, D.C., men face felony charges for using the threat of an explosive device to rob a bank – even though they left the bank empty-handed.

Montgomery County Police have arrested Robert Varez Williams, 18, of the 4900 block of Call Place SE in Washington, D.C., and Jeffrey Jerome Walker, 18, of the 5800 block of Southern Avenue SE in Washington, D.C. They are charged with the March 12 armed robbery of a Capitol One Bank in Silver Spring.

Police say the first suspect, now identified as Williams, entered the bank, stood inside for a moment, and then left the bank. The second suspect, now identified as Walker, then entered the bank, passed a note to a teller that demanded money and also implied that he had an explosive device.

Walker did not obtain any money and fled from the bank. Police say Williams stood outside the bank during the robbery and served as a lookout.

Investigators released surveillance photographs of the two suspects and a Montgomery County police officer identified Williams as a suspect. She had recently charged him with theft from the Safeway store at 11201 Georgia Ave., which is located next door to the bank.

Walker, who is a friend of Williams, was then identified as the second suspect.

On April 7, arrest warrants were issued for Williams and Walker. Walker was arrested on April 16 in Washington, D.C. Williams was arrested on April 17 in Prince George’s County.

During questioning, both suspects reportedly admitted to the bank robbery. Police have charged both men with possession of a destructive device, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

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