PHOENIX — A man allegedly responsible for a bank robbery and attempted bank robbery was arrested after a person submitted an anonymous tip to police, according to court documents.
Last week, Phoenix police, in partnership with the FBI, arrested 42-year-old Eric Michael Patterson at his home near 40th Street and Cactus Road.
Police allege Patterson is responsible for an attempted robbery at the Chase Bank near 59th Avenue and Thomas Road on July 3. On the day of the robbery, Patterson reportedly gave a note to a bank teller saying, "Hurry up, I'm in a rush."
The teller left the window and pushed the panic alarm, according to police; however, Patterson left before the teller returned to her window.
On August 2, police allege Patterson gave another note to a teller at the BBVA Compass Bank near 32nd Street and Bell Road. This note reportedly read, "I have a gun, give me 100's and nobody will get hurt."
The teller reportedly gave Patterson some money, and he left, according to court records.
Surveillance video obtained by the FBI showed Patterson getting into a white Saturn sedan upon leaving one of the banks.
After the FBI released information and bank photographs of the crimes, a community member came forward with a tip and identified Patterson as a potential suspect.
Police say they found the white Saturn sedan featured in the aforementioned surveillance video at Patterson's home when he was arrested.
A witness and victim reportedly identified Patterson as the suspect, court documents state.
Upon his arrest, Patterson allegedly denied it was him in the surveillance photos.
He has been charged with robbery.
