Cops Say Suspected Bank Robber Handed Teller a Note With His Name and Address On It

The accused thief allegedly used a form from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles that contained his contact information.

August 02, 2019

Michael Harrell [Cleveland Division of the FBI]

Michael Harrell [Cleveland Division of the FBI]

By: Mike McPadden

CLEVELAND, OH — According to the Cleveland Police Department a man was promptly arrested after he allegedly attempted to rob a bank after handing a note to a teller which included his name and address on it.

Authorities say Michael Harrell, 54, approached a teller at a U.S. Bank branch and handed over a note that stated, “This is a robbery. Don’t get nobody hurt.”

The note was reportedly written on a form that Harrell had used at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and it contained his name and address. The teller allegedly gave $206 in cash to Harrell, then immediately called 911.

Adding to the non-mystery, police claim Harrell frequently visited that bank branch, and made no attempt to disguise his identity nor hide his face, which was clearly captured on the bank’s security video. FBI Special Agent Vicki Anderson also claims that the teller recognized Harrell and called him “Michael” during the robbery.

Michael Harrell [Cleveland Division of the FBI]

Michael Harrell [Cleveland Division of the FBI]

Law enforcement officers reportedly did not have much trouble tracking down Harrell and arresting him.

Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia, spokeswoman for the Cleveland Division of Police, told the press, “We’ve had individuals drop things on the way out the door that they didn’t intend to obviously. We’ve had individuals drop cell phones that have all their identifying information in it. When you present a note that has your name already on it and address, it helps law enforcement tremendously.”

Read more: WEWS-TV, WJW-TV, CNN

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