Redstone bank robbery suspect in custody
Greene County man is being held at the Fayette County Prison after being arraigned on charges related to the Nov. 25 robbery of the PNC Bank in Redstone Township.
Michael Paul Bowman, 36, of Nemacolin, was picked Wednesday evening by California Borough police who received a tip that Bowman was in a house in California. Bowman was arrested around 5:40 p.m. on outstanding felony warrants. Borough police were assisted by the California University of Pennsylvania , a news release from the borough stated.
Following his arrest, Bowman was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police and was arraigned before Senior Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer. Bowman is being held at the prison after being unable to post bond. He faces a preliminary hearing in Central Court Dec. 30 at 9:30 a.m.
State police issued the warrant for Bowman’s arrest after receiving multiple tips about his identity. State police said they were able to get a clear image of his face from surveillance cameras at the bank after the suspect complied with a greeter’s request to lower his hood.
According to the police affidavit, Bowman placed a semi-automatic pistol on the counter and demanded that a teller give him all the money in her drawer. Bowman allegedly escaped with $1,246.
Bowman faces numerous charges in addition to robbery, including firearms violations. As a previously convicted felon, Bowman is not permitted to possess a firearm.
Bowman is charged with five felony counts of robbery, two felony firearms violations, two counts of simple assault, and one count each of theft, receiving stolen property, possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment, according to court documents.