Asheville Bank Robbed by Man on Bicycle, Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

Bicycle Bank Heist

Asheville Residents Shocked by Bicycle Bank Robbery

Asheville, N.C. — In a rather bizarre turn of events, a bank robbery in Asheville has left local residents scratching their heads and wondering how such an incident could unfold right in their neighborhood. Last year, on November 9, 2022, Paul Gordon Day, a 37-year-old man from Brentwood, Tennessee, robbed the PNC Bank located at 8 O’Henry Avenue, right across from the federal courthouse. Fast forward to September 12, 2023, and Day was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his audacious crime.

The Robbery Timeline

Let’s rewind the clock to that day in November. Day made his entrance into the bank on a bicycle, which sounds a bit out of a comedy sketch, but it was all too real. Dressed in a blue cap, sunglasses, a blue surgical mask, a grey sweatshirt, and gloves, Day looked like he was preparing for a quick jaunt through the park, not a bank heist. However, once inside, his intentions took a much darker turn.

According to court documents, Day revealed a firearm that was wrapped in a black plastic bag and secured with rubber bands. It’s hard to imagine the tension in the air as he approached bank tellers while simultaneously ordering a customer to the ground. His demands were clear — he wanted money, and he wanted it fast!

What Happened Next?

The tellers complied, handing over cash that, unbeknownst to Day, included a GPS tracking device hidden within the money. The irony of that moment is hard to overlook. He fled the scene on his bicycle, but his escape didn’t last long. Since he took off into the streets of Asheville, the authorities were quick to respond.

Swift Action by Law Enforcement

Within an hour of the robbery, local police, along with agents from the FBI, managed to apprehend Day. This rapid response was a testament to the collaboration between various law enforcement agencies working together. Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department both praised the quick action taken to capture Day.

The Legal Consequences

Day’s court proceedings didn’t take long either, and he was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison along with an additional five years of supervised release following his incarceration. This decision by U.S. Attorney Dena J. King reinforces the message that crime doesn’t pay, no matter how clever or unusual the crime might be.

Community Reactions

The people of Asheville are still buzzing about this unusual crime. It’s not every day that a bank robber makes a getaway on a bicycle. While many are relieved that law enforcement was able to apprehend him so quickly, some locals can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. One resident noted, “Who robs a bank on a bicycle? It sounds like something out of a movie, but it was real life!”

A Lesson for All

Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that even in a vibrant, picturesque town like Asheville, crime can strike when you least expect it. It also highlights the importance of community safety and having trained professionals ready to jump into action when needed.

As we look forward to more peaceful days in Asheville, we can only hope that potential criminals will think twice before attempting any more ill-fated escapades on two wheels!