Former law enforcement officer arrested after armed bank robbery in Marion County, police say
Former law enforcement officer arrested after armed bank robbery in Marion County, police say
An Ocala woman was arrested Friday morning after police say she robbed a TD Bank branch at gunpoint and fled with more than $5,000 before being caught within minutes.
ORLANDO, Fla. - An Ocala woman was arrested Friday morning after police say she robbed a TD Bank branch at gunpoint and fled with more than $5,000 before being caught within minutes.
Arrested within 11 minutes
What we know:
Christina Gates Thagard, 40, was taken into custody around 10:52 a.m., just 11 minutes after the reported robbery at the bank on SE 17th Street, according to the Ocala Police Department. Officers stopped her vehicle on SW College Road near the College of Central Florida and recovered the stolen cash, clothing, a medical glove, and other items believed to have been used in the robbery.
Credit: Ocala Police Department
Investigators said Thagard entered the bank wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, and a medical mask. She handed the teller a note stating, "This is a Robbery, I have a gun and will shoot if any alarms or dye packs are inclosed. Fill this bag with all at least 50K. Big bills only. Wait 2 mins to call Police." Surveillance footage and physical evidence, including clothing and a purse matching those used in the robbery, further tied her to the crime.
Thagard initially denied involvement, claiming two acquaintances had borrowed her car and may have committed the robbery without her knowledge. However, detectives noted several physical similarities between her and the suspect on video, including unique fingernail patterns and clothing.
Former law enforcement officer: MCSO
Dig deeper:
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thagard is a former deputy. Due to her former LEO status, her mugshot is exempt from public release and is not available online.
Credit: Ocala Police Department
Thagard was charged with robbery with a firearm and booked into the Marion County Jail without bond.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: The information in this article comes from a report shared by the Ocala Police Department.