FBI Arrests 2 Suspects In Willoughby Bank Robbery

WILLOUGHBY, OH — Two men have been arrested for the robbery of the Willoughby Eastlake Credit Union on Oct. 11. The FBI and Willoughby Police Department announced the arrests on Monday. Arvis Williams Jr., 22, and Melvin Hill, IV, 21, were taken into federal custody Nov. 13.

Both Williams and Hill have been charged with brandishing a weapon during a crime of violence and attempting to take monies via force, intimidation. They appeared in court for the first time at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, for the Northern District of Ohio, and the FBI said a third suspect in the crimes is not being charged federally. That suspect is a juvenile.

The robbery reportedly happened like this, according to the FBI:

Just before 10 a.m. on Oct. 11, an off-duty uniformed Willoughby Police Officer was working security at Willoughby Eastlake Credit Union, 38024 Second St. The off-duty officer contacted police and reported that two men wearing hoodies had entered the bank and had attempting to rob the credit union. When the suspect saw the uniformed officer, they dropped their loaded Smith and Wesson MP-15 assault rifles at the entrance and ran.

Marked and unmarked police cars rushed to the bank. Two suspects were caught, Williams and the juvenile. Shortly thereafter, a third possible suspect, Hill, was spotted by an officer on patrol. After questioning Hill, he was allegedly identified as the getaway driver.

The three suspects were taken into custody and charged locally. On Monday, the three suspects were given over to federal custody.

An FBI spokesperson said additional charges are possible for the suspects as both Hill and Williams are suspects of other credit union robberies.

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