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Hidden GPS devices helped catch bank robbery suspects

By Blake Hanson
By Blake Hanson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — GPS devices located with cash stolen in a robbery early this month helped police nab the four suspects, according to newly filed court documents.

Records show federal prosecutors filed new federal bank robbery charges against Anthony Bost, Jarrett Edwards, Ronald Hargette and Anthony Woods Friday.

The robbery happened at the Wells Fargo at 4501 Park Road Nov. 10.

Employees told police that around 10 a.m. the suspects entered the bank, assaulted an employee and demanded money.

New information filed in an affidavit Friday alleges that the robbers stole $5,626 in bank money, which included two GPS tracking devices. The robbers then fled.

As police secured the bank, "police were receiving electronic signals and locations from the two GPS tracking devices that the robbers stole," according to the affidavit.

Police received an initial vehicle description that led them to look for a Honda, however the GPS devices pointed officers toward a gray Ford Fusion. When officers tried to initiate a traffic stop a pursuit began, police said.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom was overhead as the car weaved in and out of traffic, striking vehicles along the way. At one point, one of the suspects jumped out of the car and fled on foot while the vehicle continued traveling on the road.

According to the affidavit, Edwards was the one who fled on foot and police found him hiding in a shed nearby with a backpack that contained $5,967 cash and the two GPS tracking devices.

Investigators used the GPS tracking devices to retrace the route of the Ford Fusion, and they found a Honda parked near Waterbury Drive and Belrose Lane. The car was still running with "the doors closed but unlocked and damage to the ignition and steering column", according to the affidavit.

Police eventually were able to capture Woods, who they say was driving the Ford Fusion.

Investigators allege Woods initially denied involvement but later admitted he was the driver and identified the three other suspects.

Court records show Woods made his first appearance in federal court on Friday. Appearances have not been scheduled for the three other suspects.

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