A 55-year-old Augusta man was arrested Wednesday evening, just hours after an armed robbery at Pinnacle Bank on Walton Way, according to Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The robbery occurred at 2:49 p.m. Wednesday at the bank’s 1602 Walton Way location. Chief Blanchard said investigators quickly began gathering information and reviewing technology and camera systems to identify a suspect.
By about 6 p.m., members of the Criminal Suppression Team, including Sgt. Eric McCants, Deputy Nic Johnson and Chief Blanchard, began canvassing area hotels in search of the robber. During a visit to the Budgetel Inn and Suites at 954 Fifth St., hotel staff provided credible information indicating the suspect was staying in one of the rooms, Chief Blanchard said.
Deputies went to the room and found the suspect, identified as Anthony Dion Trotter, 55, of Augusta. Trotter was taken into custody without incident, and deputies recovered the clothing believed to have been worn during the robbery, according to Chief Blanchard.
Trotter was transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center and charged with felony armed robbery of a bank.
Sheriff Gino Brantley praised the rapid work of deputies and investigators.
“This is another example of how combining modern technology and camera systems with good old-fashioned police work leads to fast and effective results,” Brantley said in the statement. “The determination shown today … reflects the professionalism and commitment of this agency. I am proud of their teamwork and swift actions which ensured that a dangerous individual was safely taken into custody, and our community is more secure because of their efforts.”
The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to using every available tool to quickly identify and apprehend violent offenders.
