The Stafford Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who they say climbed up the wall of a bank using construction scaffolding, and then dropped in through the ceiling. Deputies responded to Carter Bank & Trust on Monday shortly after 9 a.m. Bank tellers told the police that someone had broken into the bank and gone thru through cash drawers the day before around 4:45 p.m.
Authorities say 48-year-old James Rupe of Rhoadesville had climbed up to the roof using the construction scaffolding, and then climbed down inside using scaffolding within the bank. They surveillance video was recovered showing Rupe rummaging through drawers and stealing change, and then swiping a soda from the employee breakroom.
Police say Rupe climbed up the same scaffolding to make his escape. Once outside, he pulled change from his pockets and put it in his backpack before taking off on his bicycle. Rupe was later found when they responded to a disturbance at a Red Roof Inn on Garrisonville Road.
The Sheriff’s Office was able to identify Rupe because of distinctive tattoos on his arms. He’s been jailed without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on charges of breaking and entering.
