Suspects Arrested After Bank Robberies in Elkhart, Escondido

Two separate bank robbery incidents occurred this week: In Elkhart, Indiana, police arrested a man who attempted to rob Horizon Bank by handing an employee a note demanding money; no weapons were used, and the suspect was apprehended within 20 minutes, though his identity has not been released. In Escondido, California, a 77-year-old man allegedly robbed a U.S. Bank branch by passing a demand note claiming he had a gun, though no weapon was seen. The suspect received about $1,000 in cash and fled in a black Toyota Prius, but was arrested during a traffic stop about a mile away after witnesses identified him. Police recovered the stolen cash, the note, and a mask from the vehicle. The Escondido suspect was identified as Gary Smyers, while other reports described him as appearing in his 60s or 70s. No injuries were reported in either case, and both investigations are ongoing.