Ferndale Resident Arrested in Pontiac for an Alleged Bank Robbery Attempt

Oakland County Sheriff's units arrested a 30-year-old Ferndale man for allegedly attempting to rob the Fifth Third Bank in Pontiac of $300 Wednesday morning, according to Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe.

The bank is located at 442 W. Huron.

Before the arrest Wednesday morning, the suspect was observed entering the bank on two occasions and looking around. After leaving the second time, he returned 10 to 15 minute later and placed a wooden stick in the door to prop it open and keep it from closing, McCabe said in a released statement.

McCabe said the bank manager witnessed the suspect with a black shirt wrapped around his left hand, potentially concealing a weapon, and a note in his right. Seeing this, the manager called 911.

Patrol cars were on scene at 9:48 a.m. while the suspect was still inside the bank. The deputies outside of the bank waited until the suspect exited. They took him into custody without incident, recovering a note that said "Give me $300 or else."

McCabe said no weapon was found on the suspect or near the scene.

The suspect never gave the note to the teller and no money or threats were exchanged, the sheriff's office said.

"The suspect never presented the note to a teller because he saw multiple Sheriff’s car outside the back and he chose to surrender," McCabe wrote in his statement.

The suspect was transported to the Pontiac Sub Station for investigation and processing.  He was then lodged at the Oakland County jail. 

McCabe said the FBI was notified and warrants will be processed Thursday.