Robbery suspect in custody
By BECKY LANDRESS Sentinel Writer

This robbery suspect may be involved in Tuesday's robbery.

At approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, Appalachian Community Bank in Blairsville reported a robbery.

 This coming only 7 weeks after the Stephen's Federal Bank robbery in Hiawassee on Tuesday, October 23rd. That robbery also occurred between 2 and 3 p.m.

Contacts with the Union County Sheriff's Office stated they could not comment on the robbery since it is being handled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

What is known was that the suspect was followed away from the bank and the Union County Sheriff's office soon apprehended the suspect, reportedly from Marble, NC. The suspect was chased by deputies, then caught on Hwy 129N in Blairsville. The individual's possible involvement in the Stephen's Federal Bank Robbery could not be confirmed at press time but he does fit the description handed out on BOLO bulletins by the GBI.

This robbery makes the 5th attempted bank robbery in the area within the last 19 months. One individual, Kevin James Anderson, was arrested on November 19 in connection with one of those robberies. Another suspect, Joshua Hampton is wanted.

An update will be done as soon as more information is released by the GBI.