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‘Dumbest Way Possible’ – Local Bank Robber, Still On Probation, Tries To Rob North Carolina Bank

A man recently released from prison and still on probation for local bank robberies tried and failed at another bank robbery Wednesday in North Carolina.

The Forest City (NC) Police Department said 38-year old Jerry Hover Tinsley was arrested for the attempted robbery of Fifth Third Bank in Forest City about 12: The Rutherford County (NC) Sheriff’s Office found him hiding in the edge of a wooded area near his home a few hours later. Surveillance photos show the suspect handing the teller a note, but he didn’t get any money before leaving the bank.

At the time of this arrest Wednesday afternoon, Tinsley was wearing a t-shirt that stated, “No, you’re right, let’s do it the dumbest way possible”.

Tinsley, along with a female accomplice, robbed banks in Flomaton, East Brewton and Florala, AL, during a March 2010 crime spree. He was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison.

During the Flomaton robbery, Tinsley and Jones both presented tellers with demand notes which stated “this is a robbery, place all $100s, $50s, $20s on the counter no alarm no die packs no tracers”, according to federal court documents. A demand note with the same wording was presented during the East Brewton robbery. They did not display a weapon during any of the robberies.

Authorities said Tinsley and Jones picked banks along the state line because they believed Alabama authorities could not pursue them into Florida.  Authorities believe in each robbery, the pair fled to Florida immediately after the holdups — including March 8 when they fled into North Escambia following the Flomaton robbery.

The pair was arrested by federal agents and local law enforcement after a short chase from a Motel 6 in Destin, Florida, March 18. The arrest was reportedly the result of a tip phoned into the Florala (Ala.) Police Department concerning a MySpace photo.

Tinsley’s accomplice, Rhianna Marie Jones of California, was sentenced in 2011 to three years and 10 months in prison.

Pictured above: Suspect Jerry Hover Tinsley and the robbery of a North Carolina bank Wednesday. Pictured above: The robbery of United Bank in Flomaton on March 8, 2010. NorthEscambia.com photos and submitted surveillance images, click to enlarge.