A suspected bank robber arrested Saturday in Colorado Springs had help from a leading figure within the US Bank’s branch, according to police.
After arresting robbery suspect Michael Martinez, 48 , Saturday afternoon, Springs police also arrested Evelyn Solano, 48, the branch manager of the US Bank at 3505 Austin Bluffs Parkway.
According to information from the Colorado Springs Police Department, a “thorough investigation” revealed that Solano helped plan the heist but didn’t participate in the actual robbery. Solano was at work when the robbery took place.
Authorities say Solano and Martinez may be romantically involved.
Both suspects are in custody as police continue to investigate the incident.
The money stolen from the bank — an undisclosed amount — was found in Martinez’ car.
Witnesses reported to police that Martinez gave a note to a teller — not Solano — saying he intended to rob the bank. Martinez allegedly indicated he had a gun, but police didn’t recover any weapons when Martinez was taken into custody. He was arrested a short distance from the bank.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that witnesses saw Martinez “dressed in black, with glasses and a fake beard.”
The theft was the first bank robbery this year in Colorado Springs.
