Beckley police ID bank robber

Beckley police said Thursday night they had identified the man who allegedly robbed a downtown bank earlier in the day and had obtained a warrant for his arrest.

The warrant charges Remington Alexander Wright, 20, whose last known address was 309 Neville St., Beckley, with bank robbery, said Capt. Jeff Shumate, chief of detectives.

Police allege Wright entered Chase bank on Neville Street just after 1 p.m. Thursday and gave a teller a note demanding money. The teller complied, putting the cash inside a backpack the suspect provided.

Shumate said Wright did not brandish a weapon. Shumate declined to disclose the note’s contents, but he said the teller believed violence was implied when the suspect produced the note.

Wright fled on foot, Shumate said. He is believed to have headed east on Neville Street, toward South Heber Street and the judicial annex construction area.

Police received information after they released surveillance footage of the robbery, Shumate said. Later, they positively identified Wright after speaking with people who know him personally. Police also compared photos of Wright they obtained from a crime information center to the surveillance video, and Shumate said they could tell the robbery suspect was the same person.

Shumate said police could not locate Wright at his apartment, located a few blocks from the bank, or elsewhere Thursday.

A bank robbery conviction carries a 10-to-20-year prison sentence, Shumate said. The federal government can also become involved in bank robbery cases, but that choice lies with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Shumate said Wright is believed to still be in the Beckley area, but he possibly has relatives in Texas. He is not believed to own a vehicle.

Shumate urged anyone who may come in contact with Wright to call police.

“Robbery is a very heinous crime,” he said. “Like with any other person who commits such a crime, we always recommend that if you see the suspect or know his whereabouts, call local law enforcement.”

Shumate praised Chase, which had a digital surveillance system that gave police clear images. Employees were extremely helpful. He noted they did what police always recommend anyone confronted with a robber should do — remain calm, comply with demands and be observant.

Those who have information about Wright’s whereabouts are urged to call the Beckley Police Department at 304-256-1708 or Crime Stoppers at 304-255-7867. Crime Stoppers also accepts tips online at www.crimestoppersofraleighco.org.