Suspects in Carson City Wells Fargo bank robbery tied to Reno bank robberies

UPDATE 7:17PM: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said the two suspects captured after this morning's Wells Fargo bank robbery may be tied to a Nevada State Bank robbery in Reno. The two men, Kenneth Wayne Young, 44, and Michael Lee Smith, 36, are leaving Carson City Jail and will be booked and arraigned in federal court.
The following is a statement from the Carson City Sheriff's Office regarding the robberies:

At approximately 9:08 a.m. this date, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office was informed of a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank located at the corner of Stewart and Musser Streets in downtown Carson City. The suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 30 years old, 5 foot 6 inches tall, wearing blue jeans and a black (or dark) hoody.

Throughout the morning, Sheriff’s Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators and FBI agents combed through witness statements and evidence collected at the bank. While viewing video footage, a Reno based FBI agent recognized one witness at the Wells Fargo Back as being similar to a witness at the Nevada State Bank robbery on Liberty Street in Reno. That man, Kenneth Wayne Young, born 3/11/1968, had been identified by the first Deputy to arrive at the Wells Fargo Bank as one of the customers (witnesses) left in the back after the robber fled. A quick check of records disclosed that Young was a resident at the Carson City Inn, located on North Carson Street.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Carson City Inn and soon after located Kenneth Young watching them from an alley way across the street. Young was immediately confronted and detained while additional information was gathered. Investigators soon discovered an associate of Young’s, Mr. Michael Lee Smith, born 1/13/1976, was also a resident of the Carson City Inn and was living just doors away from Young’s room. Smith’s vehicle was located in the parking lot, and it too matched the description of a vehicle used in the Reno area robbery.

A Tactical SWAT entry team was summoned to the area while deputies began evacuating the residents from the building. However, shortly before the SWAT team arrived at the scene, Smith was confronted when he stepped out of the doorway of his room. Smith was immediately taken into custody. The tactical team eventually cleared the rooms and determined the area safe for further investigation. The evacuated residents were allowed to return to their rooms after approximately 2 hours.

During a warrant search of Smith’s and Young’s room, evidence was collected that directly connected them to the early morning Wells Fargo Robbery, and gave additional information that the two are likely suspects of the Nevada State Bank robbery. Investigators from the Reno Police Department teamed up with Carson City and FBI agents as the investigation is continuing.

According to Sheriff Furlong, the key development of linking the suspects today to the Nevada State Bank in Reno came and is credited to an observant FBI agent. Quickly realizing that a witness in two back robbery’s was likely instead a lookout, that detail led Carson City Deputies to secure the area where he resided. This is a great example of multiple agencies working together to bring quick resolution to the problem.

UPDATE 2:17: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong confirmed two men tied to the Wells Fargo bank robbery are now in custody. The subject in the photo is suspected of the robbery this morning, Furlong said. They were taken into custody this afternoon from the Carson City Inn.

UPDATE 2PM: A man was taken into custody at Carson City Inn this afternoon. At around 1:50 p.m. a man was brought from Carson City Inn shirtless, without shoes and in cuffs. It is unknown at this time if this is related to the bank robbery. A person was detained earlier and the status on that detainment is unclear. Authorities continue to evacuate the Carson City Inn. A search warrant has been ordered and the investigation is ongoing.

Update 1:45: Carson City Sheriff deputies have set up a perimeter around the Carson City Inn on North Carson Street, and the SWAT team has been called in. A search warrant has also been requested.

UPDATE: 1:28PM: At least one has been detained at Carson City Inn. Sheriff Ken Furlong said it is unknown if it is related to a bank robbery earlier today.

UPDATE 11:37 AM: The Carson City Sheriff's Office has released surveillance photos of the Wells Fargo bank robbery suspect. The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 30 years old, 5 '6 wearing blue jeans and a black or dark hoodie.
Carson City Sheriff's Office dispatch was called at 9:08 a.m. Monday morning regarding the bank robbery at Wells Fargo Bank on the corner of Stewart and Musser streets in downtown Carson City. The suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 30 years old, 5 foot 6 inches tall, wearing blue jeans and a black (or dark) hoody.

Witnesses told officers the man fled the bank on foot to the east of the area. Although Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene of the robbery within 1 minute, they were unable to locate the suspect. There were no injuries reported and the suspect did not display a weapon. The robbery is being investigated jointly with the FBI.

Anyone with information concerning this incident or suspected identity of the man picture is encouraged to contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office at 887-2500 or the communication center at 887-2012.

As with all crimes of this nature, persons with information may contact secret witness to remain anonymous.

UPDATE: 10:41PM: Suspect in the Carson City Wells Fargo Bank robbery on North Stewart Street was also said to be wearing a dark-colored beanie knitted-style cap on his head, dark pants, dark-colored shoes. The robbery happened shortly after 9 this morning.
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The Wells Fargo Bank at 211 North Stewart Street in Carson City was robbed shortly after 9 this morning. The suspect is said to be white, late 20s to early 30s, 5 foot six inches in height, 150 pounds, medium build wearing a black hoodie and black bandana. No weapon was seen but the robber was said to have given the teller a note.
Last Monday, Nov. 19, the US Bank on Market Way in North Carson City was robbed. Thomas E. Baye was arrested after authorities found items in his home that directly associated him with the robbery. A citizen was able to capture the vehicle license plate number and description that led officers to the home of Baye and his subsequent arrest.
Apparently the robbery suspect was standing in line before he robbed the bank. No weapon was seen.
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