Journalists deliver a public service by uncovering truths at every turn; some would even say that we’re heroes. But rarely do journalists actually thwart crime as it’s happening—yet that’s exactly what one Iowa reporter did.
Adam Sallett, a reporter with local CBS affiliate KIMT shot a live report Tuesday morning at the site of a bank robbery the previous day in Rochester, Minnesota. He was unaware, however, that the suspect had returned to the scene of the crime as he was taping.
While Sallett explained the earlier robbery to a station anchor, a bank employee quickly runs into frame.
“It's that guy right there,” the employee says, pointing to somebody off camera.
“Oh, that’s the robber!” Sallett says. “This is live TV, folks. That’s the robber, just went by, according to the bank employee. So, I gotta go here and call 911! I’ll talk to you later.”
The robber did not appear on camera, but Sallett said in a later report that he saw the suspect walk into the bank while he was setting up the shot. Sallett confirmed on Twitter later Tuesday afternoon that the suspect had been apprehended by police.
This has been quite the day, glad everyone in the bank is okay. Also glad authorities arrested the suspect. #rochmn @KIMTNews3
Sterling Bank issued a statement following the robbery.
Sterling State Bank is thankful that none of our employees were harmed during the robberies that took place at our North Rochester office. We are also grateful for the fast, professional response from law enforcement in arresting a suspect in these robberies. It is our sincere hope that this individual will not be able to cause any further harm. While incidents like these are rare, it is important to know that Sterling State Bank’s internal training processes emphasize employee and customer safety above all else. All Sterling State Bank branches remain open for business and I want to personally extend a warm welcome to everyone in the community to stop in and say hello to our great staff.
