GASTONIA, N.C. — Police said two men have been arrested after two banks were robbed less than two hours apart Thursday morning in Gastonia.
The first robbery happened at 9:15 a.m. at the Wells Fargo on East Franklin Street, and the second one happened at 10:35 a.m. at the BB&T on Union Road.
[ ALSO READ: Man arrested, accused of robbing Matthews bank last summer ]
No injuries were reported in either robbery.
Police said the suspect in the first robbery, identified as 57-year-old Jean Pierre Gendron, went up to a teller and passed a note which implied that he was armed. He took an undisclosed amount of money and left the bank in a vehicle that he had previously stolen, according to authorities.
Gendron was arrested at around 12:30 p.m. Friday in Charlotte, and charged with robbery and larceny of a motor vehicle.
The suspect in the second robbery was later identified as Franklin Earl Lawrence Jr., 48, of Gastonia. Police said he went up to a bank teller, showed a gun and demanded money. Once he got an undisclosed amount of money, he left the bank.
At around 11 a.m., Lawrence was found in a wooded area not far from the bank with a handgun. Police charged Lawrence with robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.
It’s unclear if the bank robberies are connected.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.
(WATCH: Owner says sister was shot multiple times during robbery at popular Charlotte restaurant)
This browser does not support the video element.