Tips lead to Niles bank robber arrest

NILES, Mich. (WOOD) - A man accused of robbing a bank is in jail after tipsters helped police track him down.

Richard Smith, 44, from Benton Harbor was taken into custody Feb. 20 on a two-count warrant.

It was Feb. 15 when police said Smith walked into the Chemical Bank, 407 E. Main St. in Niles, handed a teller a note, stating he demanded money and that he threatened to blow up the bank if police were called to the scene.

The suspect was given $1,800 and exited the bank, but not before leaving behind a suspicious bag.
 
A Berrien County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad was called to the scene and investigated the bag, which was determined safe and contained a pair of boots.

Throughout the investigation, authorities received several tips about possible suspects. Detectives located evidence that led to the identification of Smith as the robber, according to a news release.

Members of the Michigan State Police, Berrien County Sheriff's Department, Benton Harbor Police Department, and FBI found and arrested Smith at a residence in the 100 block of Catalpa Street in his home city.

Smith could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.