The JNET booking image for Nicholas Larson, 39, of Ambler (left), and surveillance footage of the suspect from the bank robbery (right).
An Ambler man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly robbed Key Bank in Whitpain Township, then took the money to Valley Forge Casino less than an hour later.
According to the criminal complaint, Whitpain Township Police were dispatched to the unit block of Skippack Pike at 10:56 a.m. on Nov. 19 for a report of a bank robbery. County dispatch noted that they were advised by a bank teller that a tall white male had entered the bank and displayed a note asking for $50 and $100 bills, the report states.
The suspect reportedly implied that he had a gun, but the teller never saw a weapon, police said. The teller then put the money into a bag that was harnessed around the shoulder of the suspect, according to the report.
After police posted the surveillance image of the suspect to a crime sharing network and social media, they received multiple tips identifying the suspect as 39-year-old Nicholas Larson, of the unit block of Meade Road in Blue Bell, the report states.
Drawing from prior contact that Larson had with the Whitpain Township Police Department, investigators knew that Larson liked to socialize at the Valley Forge Casino in King of Prussia. Police then contacted the Upper Merion Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police Gaming Enforcement, who confirmed that Larson had allegedly entered the casino floor at 11:43 a.m., and was still on the casino floor as of 2:40 p.m.—wearing the same clothes that he was allegedly wearing at the time of the bank robbery.
Larson was located in the casino a short time later and taken into custody. During his interview with police, Larson allegedly confessed to robbing Key Bank, and stated that he did so because he had a gambling addiction, according to the report.
As a result of the investigation, Larson has been charged with felony counts of robbery – taking property by force and robbery – demanding money from a financial institution, along with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, unlawful restraint and recklessly endangering another person.
Larson was arraigned on Nov. 19 by Magisterial District Judge Marc Alfarano, who set bail at $100,000 cash. He was then remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail, and his next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard.
(Editor’s note: All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause, and reflects the point of view of the police. Should the defendant choose to issue a public statement, or is later found not guilty or has the charges dropped, we will update this article accordingly.)
See also:
Intoxicated Road Rage Suspect Arrested After Brandishing Handgun In Warrington Township: Police
Men Attempted To Shoplift From Wegmans By Shoving Steaks, Razors In Pants: Police
Husband, Wife Write 22 Bad Checks To Wegmans, Receive Over $4,500 In Merchandise: Police
Towamencin Man Charged With DUI While Awaiting Hearing On Rape, Kidnapping Charges
Two Brothers Accused Of Kidnapping, Raping Teen Boy In Towamencin
