Bank Robbery Suspect Caught

A man suspected of robbing the North Kingstown Bank Newport on Wednesday afternoon has been taken into custody following a joint effort from the North Kingstown and East Greenwich police departments.

According to a press release, North Kingstown detectives were able to deduce that Thomas N. Shellman of 30 Lang Drive in North Kingstown was the person who carried out the robbery at Bank Newport. Shellman allegedly entered the bank around 2 p.m. Wednesday and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller (who was older than 60 years old, according to reports) complied and Shellman allegedly fled the scene toward Ten Rod Road.

Police were able to track down Shellman later that evening and found several bills on him that were traced back to the robbery. Additionally, a search warrant was issued on Shellman's house where detectives seized the overcoat and gray winter hat that Shellman was reportedly wearing during the robbery. Also at his home, detectives found additional cash as well as the note Shellman used in the crime.

Shellman is facing one count of first degree robbery and one count of receiving stolen goods.