ARTESIA — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a bank robbery that occurred Thursday in Artesia.
Artesia Police Department (APD) officers were dispatched at 9:18 a.m. to Washington Federal Bank, 602 W. Texas Ave., in reference to a bank robbery.
“Officers were there shortly thereafter and were able to do some pieces of investigation to help us understand more of what happened,” said APD Cmdr. Lindell Smith.
Soon after the incident, at 11:37 a.m. Thursday, police arrested 39-year-old Roman Poulsin of Artesia on charges of strong-arm robbery and tampering with evidence. Smith said Poulsin did not use a weapon in the commission of the crime.
A second individual, 40-year-old Lori Crapo of Artesia, was arrested at 5 p.m. Thursday on charges of receiving stolen property, and Smith confirmed that arrest was also connected to the bank robbery.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisted in the investigation.
Police presence was also noted Thursday morning at Fenn’s Country Market, and Smith confirmed that activity was connected to the robbery.
“Fenn’s didn’t get robbed, but there’s potential evidence in the parking lot,” he said.
Updates will be issued as they become available.