Man arrested in connection with robbery at Bangor Savings Bank in Waterville

WATERVILLE — A daylong manhunt for a bank robber Friday concluded with the arrest of a Thomaston man, according to police.

David Alvarez, 28, is facing multiple charges in connection with the holdup of Bangor Savings Bank on Main Street, Waterville Deputy Chief Charles Rumsey said.

The robbery, which was reported at 9 a.m., prompted approximately 31 law enforcement officers from seven agencies to respond to the bank, the deputy chief said.

Alvarez, whom Rumsey said Waterville police have had prior dealings with, walked into the bank, handed a teller a threatening note demanding cash and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

Alvarez was not armed, Rumsey said, and apparently fled in a pickup truck.

Police quickly established a perimeter in the area to track Alvarez down.

“There were a lot of officers up there,” Rumsey said. “It was very efficient and helpful to secure a perimeter to make sure he hadn’t fled into the woods.”

Officers got a break in the case after Waterville Detective Sgt. William Bonney sent out surveillance images of the robber. Waterville police Officer Damon Lefferts recognized Alvarez from a minor traffic accident earlier Friday.

“[Lefferts] had dealt with Alvarez an hour before the robbery,” Rumsey said.

Area police subsequently received Alvarez’s name and description, and Det. David Caron gathered information that Alvarez may have been in the area of College Avenue waiting for a ride, Rumsey said.

Caron stopped the vehicle that Alvarez was riding in on Elm Street, and Alvarez was arrested, Rumsey said. He had cash from the robbery on his person at the time of his arrest, the deputy chief added.

Police also seized Alvarez’s pickup and a search warrant will be conducted on the vehicle, Rumsey said.

Alvarez was taken to a local hospital for treatment for undisclosed injuries and was expected to be taken to Kennebec County Jail later Friday. He will be charged with robbery and theft.