Franklin, IOW assist in robbery case

Published 10:40 am Friday, May 24, 2013

FRANKLIN—Franklin Police assisted neighboring authorities in securing the Norfleet Street apartment of a bank robbery suspect last week, while Isle of Wight Sheriff’s deputies assisted in apprehension of the suspect.

Steven Vernard Parker, 43, was arrested and charged with one count of robbery of a bank.

According to Franklin Police spokesman, Lt. Tim Whitt, the department received a call from Virginia Beach police at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 16, to go to 307 C Norfleet Street, to form a perimeter and stand-by.

As the events of the day unfolded, Hampton Police received an alarm activation at 2:36 p.m. from the Wells Fargo Bank on Marketplace Drive. According to Cpl. M. Shackelford of the Hampton PD, the investigation revealed the suspect, Parker, allegedly approached a teller and provided a note demanding money. After receiving an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency, the suspect fled the bank in a white Honda.

Police pursued the suspect across the James River Bridge, where Isle of Wight Sheriff’s deputies and troopers with Virginia State Police finally stopped the vehicle at the Isle of Wight Industrial Park and the suspect was taken into custody.

Parker, 43, had a last known address in Franklin, said Cpl. Shackelford. Franklin police secured the apartment from 4-10 p.m. According to Lt. Whitt, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach investigators, as well as FBI personnel arrived in town. Virginia Beach authorities secured a search warrant for the suspect’s home. Whitt said the Franklin PD tactical team made entry to “sweep and clear” the area and no one was inside. Once the search warrant was executed, authorities removed several evidentiary items. Whitt said Franklin assisted in a stand-by mode at the request of the neighboring authorizes.

Parker is currently incarcerated at the Hampton City Jail.