Local

Notorious 'Ball Cap Bandit' identified as former Rowan County deputy

By Briana Harper
By Briana Harper

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Channel 9 has learned the man investigators believe robbed several banks across North Carolina used to be a deputy with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Joshua McHone, 35, is charged with robbing the North Carolina State Employee Credit Union of Albemarle on Highway 24/27 Bypass West on March 25.

>> Download the WSOCTV news app for your smartphone and get updates on breaking stories as they come in.

Joshua McHone

(Joshua McHone)

Last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the Albemarle bank was one of a string of branches robbed across North Carolina by the same man dubbed the "Ball Cap Bandit.”

[RELATED: FBI says 'Ball Cap Bandit' responsible for 3 local bank robberies]

Channel 9 has learned the “Ball Cap Bandit” is also believed to be responsible for robberies at the Wells Fargo on Conlan Circle in Charlotte, the BB&T on Poplar Tent Road in Concord, the Woodforest Bank inside the Walmart in Locust, the Fidelity Bank in Clemmonsville and the First National Bank in Lexington.

"It surprises you because you don't expect it every day because there's a lot of people who come for lunch,” Wells Fargo bank customer Spencer Faranda said in Ballantyne. “A lot of people frequent this area in general."

[RELATED: FBI: Locust bank robber likely the wanted 'Ball Cap Bandit']

Police said Thursday night he's connected to another bank robbery in Lexington, North Carolina.

Officials said several agencies worked together to arrest McHone in Gold Hill. He is currently being held in the Davidson County Jail under a $500,000-plus bond.

"You have to be aware,” Faranda said. “Like, if you're at an ATM, make sure you're looking over your shoulder."

The FBI said McHone appears to be the wanted “Ball Cap Bandit” and the federal investigation is ongoing.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed McHone was a deputy with the department from 2006 until 2013.

The Sheriff’s Office said he was terminated on May 13, 2013. Channel 9 is still working to figure out why he was let go.

Cox Media Group

Most Read