The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force (SSSTF) announces that the bank robber believed to be the Roscoe Bandit is now in custody. Around 3 p.m. this afternoon, November 12, the Grants Pass Police Department detectives arrested William Mitchell, 55, in Grants Pass, Oregon. The SSSTF believes Mitchell may be identifiable as the Roscoe Bandit, who has allegedly committed at least four bank robberies in Washington state:

• Monday, July 28, 2014—HomeStreet Bank on East Broadway, Seattle, Washington
• Tuesday, July 29, 2014—Wells Fargo Bank on Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington
• Thursday, October 30, 2014—Timberland Bank on Washington Street SE, Olympia, Washington
• Friday, November 7, 2014—Numerica Credit Union on W. Riverside Avenue, Spokane, Washington

A federal arrest warrant was issued this morning in the Western District of Washington, charging Mitchell with bank robbery, in violation of Title 18 USC, Section 2113(a). Spokane Police Department officers identified Mitchell after collecting and reviewing surveillance footage associated with the November 7 bank robbery in Spokane. Officers identified a vehicle of interest in the video and followed that lead to develop further information about the Roscoe Bandit. This information ultimately led to his identification. Community assistance also played a significant part in that process, both in terms of tips generated by media publicity and cooperation during police interviews.

Mitchell has a Mississippi identification card of unknown authenticity; his home residence location is being determined.

This capture reflects partnerships across the Northwest. In addition to the alert and proactive effort by the Grants Pass Police Department, this investigation is being conducted jointly by the Spokane Police Department, the Olympia Police Department, and the FBI throughout Washington and Oregon.

For a reminder of what was previously released about the Roscoe Bandit, please see a summary of past news releases: Details