Suspected North Coast Bank Robber Nabbed at Walmart

A man suspected of robbing the on Center Street Friday was apprehended at the Walmart parking lot in Windsor, police said.

Terry Wayne Griffith, 50, of Crescent City, was taken into custody by on suspicion of robbery and burglary after bank employees and citizen witnesses outside the bank gave police a detailed description of him following the 3:30 p.m. incident.

"Most of the money from the bank was recovered," said Healdsburg Sgt. Luis Rodriguez. "The quick resolution of this case was due in large part to the vigilant citizens who communicated their observations to the police and the good working relationship between the involved law enforcement agencies."

According to Rodriguez, Healdsburg and Windsor police worked together on the case that unfolded just after the 911 call came in at about 3:30 p.m. Friday.

"It was reported that a white male subject entered the bank and demanded money from a bank teller," Rodriguez said. "After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the bank on foot."

After police received a description of the suspect, they were also able to ascertain a suspected vehicle. Healdsburg police sent out a "be on the lookout" alert to surrounding police agencies, he said.

"The Windsor Police Department located the suspect vehicle shortly after in the Walmart parking lot and detained the suspect and two female companions inside the store," Rodriguez said. "Healdsburg police officers responded to Windsor," he said, and Healdsburg police took the suspect into custody.

It was the second time in recent weeks that alert Healdsburg witness descriptions and quick police work led to apprehension of a bank robber.

In January, a Cloverdale man and woman were apprehended on their way back home after robbing the on Vine Street due to swift and detailed reports from witnesses and good cooperation between the Healdsburg and Cloverdale police departments.