MANSFIELD — Mansfield detectives and the US Marshals office are working in tandem to locate the prime suspect for last week’s bank robbery. The law enforcement agencies say they are seeking James O. Ward in connection with this case.
Richland Bank on Marion Avenue was robbed Tuesday, Dec. 6 around 4:20 p.m. After the suspect received an unknown amount of money, he exited the bank and fled in the northern direction.
Ward, 37, is suspected to be from Mansfield, although authorities are unsure if he fled the area, said Lt. Rob Skropits with the Mansfield Police Department.
MPD issued a press release Wednesday afternoon seeking help from the public in locating Ward. According to the press release, Ward, a white male, is 5 feet 9 inches and weighs about 160 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes.
Skropits said detectives have obtained a warrant for Ward’s arrest, but have had no luck in finding the suspect.
The press release said Ward is considered to be dangerous and should not be approached.
“We had gotten some leads through photo lineups, so we started looking for him on Monday,” Skropits said.
The same Richland Bank location was robbed a second time on Monday, Dec. 12, just six days after the Dec. 6 incident. Although the robbery happened in a similar fashion, passing notes, Skropits said he does not believe the two robberies are related.
Authorities responding to that incident said the suspect was an African American male around 225 pounds. He stands over 6 feet with black hair, brown eyes and a beard. Witnesses say he was wearing a black beanie and light grey hoodie and blue jeans.
Anyone with information regarding either case is encouraged to call the local US Marshal office at 419-774-3536. MPD Detective Frank Parrella is working the Ward case. His direct number is 419-755-9470. MPD Bill Bushong is working the latest case and his number is 419-755-9432.
