BEAUMONT, Texas — A 64-year-old Houston man accused of robbing a bank near Parkdale Mall was reportedly seen at a different bank "acting suspiciously" before the incident.
It happened around 3:45 p.m. Beaumont Police responded to the Chase Bank located in the 6000 block of Eastex Freeway after receiving a call about a bank robbery.
Police spoke to a bank teller who told them a man walked into the bank wearing a black trench coat, gray scally cap, and a surgical mask, according to a probable cause affidavit. This man was later identified as Michael Raymond Karras.
The teller told police Karras gave her a note that said, “Give me all your money. Don't do anything stupid." In fear for her safety and the safety of others in the bank, the teller did what Karras wanted.
The teller gave Karras $3,000. After getting the money, Karras left Chase Bank.
Before the late afternoon robbery, Karras was seen at another Beaumont bank, according to the affidavit. The president of the Prosperity Bank told police he saw Karras "acting suspiciously" and decided to follow him.
The Prosperity Bank president followed Karras to Chase Bank, later seeing Karras leave the scene in a Toyota Ray. He was able to tell police the Toyota’s license plate number.
Officers later found Karras at a Valero located in the 2000 block of North 11th Street. Police found $3,000 and the note that was given to the teller on Karras, according to the affidavit.
Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr. told 12News Karras was out on parole in connection with a previous bank robbery in San Antonio when the Beaumont robbery took place.
Karras was taken to the Jefferson County Jail and charged with robbery. Judge Collins set Karras' bond at $500,000.
The FBI is assisting with the investigation into Friday's robbery.
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