Cops: Suspect tries to rob bank across from Avon police station

AVON - An accused robber allegedly held up a bank just feet away from a police station on Thursday, while a detail officer was working across from the building.

“If you're from around here, you would know the police department is right across the street,” said Jonathan Pierce, president of the Avon Cooperative Bank.

Demetrius James, 19, is from South Carolina, which may explain why he's charged with robbing the bank across from the station.

“I would say within a minute there were approximately eight to 12 cops present,” said Dep. Chief David Martineau.

Police say James waited for the bank to open at about 8:30 a.m. and walked inside and demanded $50,000 in cash.

After the teller gave the suspect a wad of cash, he demanded more money. The teller told the suspect the drawer had been emptied, so he got actually got back in line behind customers, which bought police a little more time.

The bank called 911 and a police officer working a detail at the nearby post office, along with a bunch of other officers at the station, went to go after the guy.

“I just ran across the street,” said Martineau.

Police arrested the suspect inside of the bank.

Pierce said there is one lesson to be learned here.

“Make sure you know where the police department is before you hold up a bank.”

James’s bail was set at $50,000.