Armed Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested Just Days After Heist in Columbia

Armed Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested in Columbia

Columbia, S.C. — In what seems like a scene straight out of a movie, local authorities are reporting that an arrest has been made following a bank robbery that took place last week. The Richland County Sheriff, Sheriff Leon Lott, shared the news about the apprehension of 39-year-old Willie Lee Moses II on October 21, 2024, which has certainly brought some relief to the community.

What Happened at the First Citizens Bank

On the morning of October 15, 2024, just around 10 a.m., the calm routine at the First Citizens Bank located at 7039 Parklane Rd. was shattered when a man walked in and allegedly committed an armed robbery. According to the reports from the deputies, Moses didn’t come in with a weapon drawn, but instead, he handed a handwritten note to the teller. The note clearly stated that he was committing an armed robbery and demanded cash. How chilling is that?

As you might imagine, it wasn’t long before the alarm bells went off, and while deputies were on their way, Moses managed to make a getaway with the stolen money. The bank staff were understandably shaken, and the community was left wondering: who would do such a thing?

Investigation Leads to Quick Identification

Law enforcement officers dove right into the investigation. Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait too long before identifying the suspect. It turns out that investigators were able to connect the dots to Moses through a previous investigation involving him. It’s amazing how those connections can help solve cases, isn’t it?

Once the deputies knew who they were searching for, they quickly secured a warrant for his arrest. But little did Moses know, his days of freedom were numbered!

The Arrest

Fast forward to October 19, 2024, just a few days after the robbery, deputies received a call about a civil disturbance on Zimalcrest Drive. Imagine their surprise when they arrived at the scene and recognized the man causing the ruckus—yes, it was Willie Moses himself! Sometimes the universe just serves you the perfect opportunity on a silver platter.

Moses was promptly taken into custody and carted off to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he now faces serious charges. First up on the docket is the charge of entering a bank with the intent to steal, directly related to the robbery. But that’s not all. Because of the incident on Zimalcrest Drive, he’s also facing another charge: possession of meth or cocaine base, specifically less than one gram. Talk about a rough week!

Community Response

As the dust settles on this bank robbery saga, the community can breathe a little easier knowing that law enforcement acted swiftly. Sheriff Lott’s announcement came as a reassuring message to residents in Columbia, highlighting the dedication of local deputies to keeping neighborhoods safe. Everyone is hoping that this will serve as a reminder that crime doesn’t pay and that the community is looking out for one another.

In the coming days, as things unfold in the courtroom, many will be following this case closely. It raises questions about motivations behind such desperate acts—what led Moses to the point of robbing a bank?

Until then, let’s hope for continued efforts from our local law enforcement to keep our city a safe place for everyone. The events surrounding this robbery have certainly drawn attention, and we are grateful for the diligence of those who serve and protect us.