A suspect was arrested after he allegedly robbed a bank in Seal Beach and threatened to harm employees.
Police identified the suspect as Thomas Crampton, 43, of Anaheim.
On Wednesday, shortly after 9 a.m., Seal Beach police responded to a robbery at a Chase Bank on the 800 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
Crampton had reportedly entered the bank and demanded money from the workers while threatening to harm them, police said.
The employees complied with Crampton’s demands and after he received an undisclosed amount, he fled the scene on foot.
Officers arrived at the bank and began searching the neighborhood for Crampton.
With help from Seal Beach Marine Safety Lifeguards, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department bloodhound and officers from the Hawthorne and Torrance Police Departments, Crampton was found about half a mile away from the bank.
He was arrested for robbery and parole violation and booked at the Orange County Jail.
“The swift arrest today highlights the effectiveness of our officers and the importance of regional partnerships in keeping our community safe,” said Seal Beach police chief Michael Henderson. “We’re grateful for the immediate response from our law enforcement partners and proud of the coordinated effort that quickly resolved this incident.”
No further details were released. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Jeff Gibson at 562-799-4100 ext. 1172 or email [email protected].
