The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect entered the bank wearing a face mask and carrying an AR-15-style rifle.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities have released additional details after a man was arrested in connection with a bank robbery at a Regions Bank near County Road 210.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, shortly after 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, the man walked into the bank armed with an AR-15-style rifle. He was wearing a face mask, gloves and dark-colored clothing, investigators said. After demanding money from bank tellers, he left in a white Audi with white tape covering its license plate.
Investigators later identified the suspect as 32-year-old Hubert Estelle.
About 20 minutes after the robbery was reported, traffic cameras and license plate readers helped deputies locate Estelle’s vehicle at an apartment complex on Mossy Pine Lane, the sheriff’s office said.
Estelle was found inside his apartment and taken into custody. During a search of the residence, deputies recovered the weapon and clothing they believe were used in the robbery, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
“This incident is a clear example of how technology is critical when crime occurs,” Sheriff Robert Hardwick says. “We understand the concerns surrounding the use of LPR (License Plate Reader) technology, and we are committed to using it responsibly. This case demonstrates how, with safeguards in place, the technology can protect our community while ensuring criminals are held responsible for their actions.”
Estelle was arrested and charged with armed robbery with a firearm, grand theft, five counts of aggravated assault, and wearing a mask or hood while committing a felony.