Haines City, Florida – According to the Haines City Police Department Thomas Wayne Ricks, 55, has been arrested on charges of robbery with a weapon and robbery with a mask — both first-degree felonies.
Ricks entered Citizens Bank & Trust, 36250 U.S. 27, after 11 a.m. on Monday. With his hand in his waistband to insinuate that he was reaching for a weapon, Ricks told the teller to give him money, so that no one would “get hurt”.
He was given cash and left the scene in a white Chrysler minivan. Ricks was arrested on Wednesday afternoon at his home on Watson Lane and transported to the Polk County Jail.
Previous Release:
HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed a local bank after threatening tellers with violence
An older white man wearing a plaid shirt, khaki pants, sunglasses, a surgical mask and a ballcap entered Citizens Bank & Trust, 36250 U.S. 27, after I1 a.m. on Monday. Bank employees told police that the man demanded money and warned that no one would get hurt if the teller complied.
The teller handed the man an undisclosed amount of cash. He grabbed the money, left the location, and ran south. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed the man running southwest through the parking lot at McDonald’s, 36204 U.S. 27, toward Maxcy Plaza where what appeared to be a white Chrysler minivan was parked.
He ultimately entered the van and drove from the area. Detectives believe that the man was traveling
south on U.S. 27 before arriving at the location. The investigation is ongoing.
The Haines City Police Department is asking for anyone with any information to call Detective Carlos
Dominguez at 863-421-3636, ext. 2239. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact
Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS) or via the web at www.p3tips.com.
