Captain Frank Surmaczewicz
Criminal Investigation Division
Port Orange Police Department
(386) 506-5899

                                        WOULD-BE BANK ROBBER ARRESTED

On June 23, 2009 at approximately 9:30 am an unidentified white male entered into the Wachovia Bank located at 3860 South Nova Road. Once inside, the suspect asked to speak with a bank employee about obtaining a small business loan. The suspect and the bank employee walked into an office and discussed the loan application requirements. During the end phase of the conversation the bank employee asked if there were any other matters. The suspect opened up a laptop bag positioned in the chair next to him and replied “I have a bomb and I need $ 40,000.00 “. The suspect further added that his wife died in a traffic crash three months ago to the day, and he was having financial problems. The suspect departed the bank without any money, and was last seen on foot walking towards the Big Lots store just north of the bank. 

On June 24, 2009 an anonymous source contacted the Port Orange Police Department and offered the name of Gregory Stephen Hale as a possible suspect. A subsequent investigation led to arrest warrants being obtained for  Hale. He was placed under arrest by Port Orange Police Department Detectives and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department.  

Gregory Stephen Hale was arrested at his residence in Palm Coast. A search warrant was also conducted which yielded evidence that was displayed at the crime scene. Gregory Stephen Hale was charged with:  

Attempted Armed Robbery - bond $ 50,000.00  
Displaying a Hoax Bomb – bond $ 25,000.00