71-Year-Old Arrested For Six Armed Bank Robberies: Police

GERMANTOWN, MD — A 71-year-old man has been arrested in connection with half a dozen armed bank robberies in Montgomery County, authorities announced Wednesday.

James Wersick, of Germantown, is accused of robbing six banks in Bethesda and Potomac over the the course of eight years. The most recent robbery, according to Montgomery County police, took place at the PNC Bank in Potomac on Wednesday.

Police say Wersick arrived at 10150 River Rd. around 9 a.m. and began yelling at customers and employees to move to a corner of the bank. He then pointed a gun at a teller, called her by her first name, and demanded cash. According to police, Wersick told the teller that he had been watching her and knew where she lived.

An employee called 9-1-1 to report the armed robbery and was able to provide a description of the suspect. Shortly after, a patrol officer arrived at the bank and bumped into Wersick as he was leaving the scene, according to police.

Authorities said the officer asked Wersick to stop, but he did not comply.

"I'm a customer," he told the officer.

An employee then came outside and told the officer that Wersick was the bank robber.

As the officer took Wersick into custody, a handgun fell out of his pant pocket, according to police. A white bag containing a large amount of cash and three knives were also found in his possession, they said.

"Further investigation by detectives determined that Wersick's physical description and his actions during this bank robbery were similar to those of a suspect who detectives believed had committed a series of armed bank robberies," police said in a statement. "During police questioning, Wersick made admissions of guilt to committing all six Montgomery County robberies."

Wersick was charged with armed robbery, county court records reveal. He is expected to appear in court on Sept. 18.