“We didn’t even think bank robberies still happened,” the two witnesses from a nearby business said of Friday’s armed robbery at Ameris Bank on Memorial Drive.
The two, who asked to remain anonymous, said “something seemed different” that morning (September 9), but had no idea it would be a bank robbery.
Several other businesses near the bank said the situation was unrestful for employees, but they refused to comment.
Waycross Police Department Major Danny Hampton said he only remembered one other bank robbery in his 28 years on the force.
Two men were arrested for the bank heist. Steven Lamar Hamm, 45, of Waycross, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene and charged with Armed Robbery. He is in the Ware County Jail with no bond being set.
Matthew McCloskey, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was tracked down to a Waycross area hotel. McCloskey is facing five charges of Aggravated Assault against Law Enforcement Officer When Engaged on Official Duty, Possessions of Firearm or Knife During Commission of or Attempt to Commit Certain Crime, Kidnapping, and Armed Robbery.
Waycross Police Officers responded at approximately 9:30 a.m., after a call was received about an armed robbery. Information received said a masked subject was making threats and demanding money at Ameris Bank.
The subject (McCloskey) fled the bank with money and climbed into a waiting vehicle driven by Hamm, authorities said. The vehicle, which fled north on Memorial Drive, was discovered a short time later leading to the arrest of Hamm.
Policed tracked McClosey to an area hotel at about 1 p.m. He barricaded his hotel door and grabbed a female that was in the room with him, holding a knife to her throat as officers negotiated with the suspect.
Officers forced entry into the room and were able to disarm McCloskey after a brief struggle.
“I’m super proud of the men and women of WPD,” said Chief Tommy Cox. “They really excelled in what I would describe as a major team effort.”
As the investigation continues, the Waycross Police Department is asking that anyone with information concerning this incident to please call 911 or the Waycross Police Department at (912)287-2921. You may also call the Community Automated Tip Line at (912)287-2924 and remain anonymous.
