On Friday, March 02, 2012, at 12:33PM, officers with the Huntsville Police Department responded to a reported bank robbery at First Financial Bank located at 33 S.H. 75 N.

Upon their arrival to the area, officers were advised the suspect – a white male later identified as George Vanschenck (DOB 01/13/65) – had fled the bank and ran into a local health club. Officers followed the direction of the witnesses and were able to take Vanschenck into custody without incident. They were also able to locate a large amount of cash in Vanschenck’s vicinity which was later found to coincide with the amount of money taken from the bank during the robbery.

During the investigation, it was determined that Vanschenck had entered the bank and provided a teller with a note advising that he had a bomb and to give him money. Upon receiving the money from the teller, Vanschenck fled the bank.

Chief Kevin Lunsford wishes to thank all of the concerned citizens who aided in locating the suspect.

“Due to the quick-thinking citizens who came to our aid, the suspect was captured quickly and the stolen money was recovered,” he said. “The Huntsville Police Department is extremely grateful for the community cooperation seen today. It makes our jobs so much easier.”

Along with officers from the Huntsville Police Department, Constable Gene Bartee with the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, Deputies with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and Officers with the Sam Houston University Police Department responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.