Suspect tries to rob Sandusky bank using translator app
SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW) – Video released to the FOX 8 I-Team shows Sandusky police arresting a man they say used a translator app to try and rob a local bank.
The suspect, 20-year-old Yeixon Brito-Gonzalez, is from Venezuela and police say he may be in the country illegally.
“We have no way to tell if he is here legally or not,” said Sandusky Police Chief Jared Oliver. “But he has no proof of identification.”
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The attempted robbery happened April 4 around 11:30 a.m. A man called police saying the suspect was in the bank, not talking and trying to get around the counter.
The I-Team obtained bank security video that police says shows the suspect holding up his phone to the tellers. Police say the suspect did not speak English and was using a translator app to tell tellers “get the money” and “put the money in the bag.”
When the tellers did not give him any money, he left.
“I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years and this is the first time I encountered something like this, someone using a translator app to try and rob a bank,” Oliver said. “First time our officers have dealt with it too. “
Sandusky officers found him a short time later, and an officer who spoke Spanish read him his rights and talked to him.
According to a police report, the officer said the suspect told him he recently lost his job and needed money.
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The suspect denied trying to rob the bank. He told officers he went to the bank and asked them to put money inside a bag.
The suspect is facing charges of attempted robbery, attempted theft and criminal trespassing.
The chief added that federal officials also have questions for the suspect.
“It has been brought to my attention customs and border control put a hold on him,” Oliver said.
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