Deputies respond to a disturbance and apprehend the suspect in a bank burglary.

On June 21 at 9:06 a.m., Sergeant N. Zotos responded to the Carter Bank & Trust (175 Warrenton Road) for a report of a burglary. The bank tellers reported they suspected the business had been burglarized overnight.

Sergeant Zotos began reviewing security footage which showed, that on June 20 at 4:45 p.m., a male suspect utilized construction scaffolding outside the bank to gain access into the roof. He then fell through the drop ceiling and climbed down scaffolding inside the bank. The suspect is seen rummaging through cash drawers and stealing change. He then retrieves a soda from the employee breakroom and drinks it before exiting the bank the same way he entered. Once outside the bank, the suspect removes the change from his pocket and puts it in his backpack before leaving the area on his bicycle. While reviewing security footage, Sergeant Zotos noticed easily identifiable tattoos on the suspect’s arm and sent photos of the suspect to fellow deputies.

Later that day, at 2:20 p.m., Deputy A.W. Sypolt responded to the Red Roof Inn (153 Garrisonville Road) for a disturbance. Employees were requesting a male be trespassed from the property. Upon arrival, Deputy Sypolt recognized the arm tattoos on the suspect, James Rupe, 48, of Rhoadesville, from the photos sent by Sergeant Zotos. Sergeant Zotos arrived on scene and confirmed Rupe was the suspect seen on the bank’s security footage. Rupe was taken into custody and a warrant was obtained for breaking and entering. He was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.