Appomattox Co., VA - It's not often that a bank robber is caught so quickly after the robbery, but the Appomattox County Sheriff's department caught a suspect just an hour after the incident.
Law enforcement from several areas was involved, including State Police, Farmville Police, and Hampden Sydney authorities. This quick arrest proves that fast action and teamwork can go a long way.
Bank robberies are not a common problem in the town of Appomattox.
"I can't remember having any in my 29 years with the sheriff's office," said Appomattox County Sheriff Barry Letterman.
In fact, Farmers Bank President and CEO John Caldwell says in the 94 years of the bank's existence, no one has ever attempted to rob them at any of their five locations.
"This is the first time we've ever been robbed," said Caldwell. "I was just thankful to God that everyone was alright."
But when it did happen, witnesses got the tags, and local law enforcement was ready.
"One of our deputies got behind the vehicle on the bypass in Farmville and at that time he called for assistance," said Letterman.
A Farmville police officer then set up spikes along Route 15 that popped one of Ubel Booker-Bey's tires. The car stopped near Town and Country Furniture. That's where the Booker-Bey jumped out of the car, and a Hampden Sydney authority chased him down and arrested him.
Booker-Bey is currently in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond.
Now, the Farmers Bank is back up and running, and all the money has been returned.
"I do want to just say that I'm very thankful to our staff, they were very professional and everyone just did an outstanding job and that made the job easier for the sheriff's department and state police and we are so thankful for them and all of their efforts," said Caldwell.
Employee Assistance of Central Virginia came in to meet with Bank employees Wednesday to talk with them and help process this traumatic event.
Ubel Booker-Bey
