SPRINGVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — In a commendable team effort, Springville Police Chief Jason Mize acknowledged the collective dedication of his officers, community vigilance, and the support of fellow law enforcement agencies for the swift capture of a suspect linked to the July 13 PNC Bank heist in Springville.
Chief Mize emphasized the unwavering commitment of every member of the Springville Police Department in safeguarding local businesses and residents. He assured that their resolve to track down lawbreakers remains resolute as they confront criminal activities within the city.
“Our resources might be limited at times, but we compensate for that with an unyielding pursuit and undaunted dedication,” Mize stated, highlighting the department’s diligent efforts.
Kristopher Michael Tribble, aged 50, found himself behind bars at the St. Clair County Jail with no option for bail. His arrest, on first-degree robbery charges, followed a thorough search of his residence conducted on Friday.
Currently held without bond, Tribble could face further charges from Jefferson County, as indicated by Chief Mize. The bank robbery occurred on Monday, July 13, at the PNC Bank located on 6384 U.S. 11 in Springville.
Mize said officers initially responded to a panic alarm at the bank at around 12:41 p.m. Officer D. Weal was first to arrive, where he met with bank employees.
According to employee reports, the suspect arrived on a motorcycle covered in a metallic material, which is now believed to be aluminum foil or some form of heat shielding, according to Mize. The suspect entered the bank wearing a motorcycle helmet, ski mask, sunglasses, a riding jacket, riding pants, and motorcycle boots.
Mize said the suspect unzipped his jacket, pulled a gun from his chest, laid it on the counter, and pointed the firearm toward the teller. After receiving the money, the suspect returned the handgun to his riding jacket and left the scene.
Investigators used Flock Safety cameras in Springville to help track possible exit routes Tribble took after leaving the bank to help identify the type of motorcycle used in the robbery.
Mize said investigators from the Springville PD, FBI agents from the Birmingham field office, and a physical security coordinator from PNC also reviewed bank surveillance footage.
“Numerous hours were spent by SPD officers reviewing video and Flock camera playback revealing the motorcycle and riding gear the offender used at the time of the robbery,” Mize said.
On July 16, Crime Stoppers of Alabama received an anonymous tip about the robbery. According to Mize, the tip said “the tin foil motorcycle guy” had been seen heading down Clay-Palmerdale Road toward Alabama 75 before turning onto Brookwood Road toward Miles Springs Road.
Mize said he and Springville Police Sgt. K Snider traveled to the area after receiving the tip where Snider checked dumpsters at nearby businesses and schools for possible material used to cover the bike but did not discover anything.
Later that evening, Mize said he saw a BMW GS1200 traveling down Miles Springs Road matching the evidence from PNC Bank and Flock cameras. The driver at the time was described as a slender white man and the passenger as a slender white female.
The motorcycle then turned north on Alabama 75, heading toward Blount County. The driver turned onto Mitchell Farm Road and accelerated quickly before Mize lost sight of the vehicle. The vehicle was described as red and not displaying a license plate.
Mize said he relayed that information to law enforcement agencies in Blount County, later contacting Pinson public safety administrator Chris Sharit.
On Friday, July 17, Mize said Sharit helped obtain pictures and video footage of the motorcycle in the Miles Springs Road area. Investigators further obtained footage of Mize following the bike the prior evening on Alabama 75.
“At this point, we were confident that our suspect was a white male driving a red and white BMW 1200 motorcycle,” Mize said.
The information was confirmed Friday morning when Springville police received another anonymous phone call. The tip led to a home on Miles Springs Road. Research into the address showed Tribble lived there and owned a red and white BMW 1200.
Springville police acquired a search warrant and executed a search at 3:15 p.m. the same day.
Tribble attempted to flee out the backdoor of the property but was stopped by an officer, according to Mize.
FBI agents arrived shortly after and assisted with gathering evidence from the property.
Springville Mayor Austin Phillips praised the department’s work Friday after Tribble was taken into custody.
“I’m just really proud of our officers and the investigative work they’ve done,” Phillips said. “They’re still processing the scene of the search, but the suspect is in custody.”
“This case, like most I’ve worked, can only be successful with devoted police officers and the assistance from the public along with assistance and resources from other law enforcement agencies,” Chief Mize said.