Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery and Homicide Unit

William Joe Johnson (Arrested)
DOB: 12/21/1990
Address: 11333 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park
Charges: One count of Robbery

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have arrested a Pinellas Park man for the robbery of an Achieva Credit Union in Largo.

When:
The robbery occurred at about 10:52 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017.

The suspect was arrested at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2017.

Where:
The robbery occurred at the Achieva Bank located at 10125 Ulmerton Road in unincorporated Largo.

The suspect was arrested at the Express Inn located at 11333 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have arrested a Pinellas Park man for the robbery of an Achieva Credit Union in Largo.

According to detectives, the suspect entered the Achieva Credit Union located at 10125 Ulmerton Road, in unincorporated Largo, at about 10:52 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017.

Once inside the bank, the suspect approached the bank teller, implied he had a gun and demanded cash. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect fled from the bank on foot.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as 26-year-old William Johnson, of Pinellas Park.

Detectives searched for Johnson and found him at the Express Inn located at 11333 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park, where he was staying as a guest.

Detectives interviewed Johnson and he admitted to the bank robbery. Johnson informed detectives he was in need of money so he googled “how to rob a bank”.

Johnson said he originally planned to rob the Wells Fargo Bank located at 10500 Ulmerton Road, but changed his mind after he entered the Wells Fargo and saw the teller was a large male.

Johnson said he spent all of the money he stole from the Achieva Credit Union and he planned to rob another bank on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Detectives say Johnson used the stolen money to pay for rent, utilities, and a drug binge.

Johnson was arrested without incident and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Johnson was charged with one count of robbery.

The investigation continues. 

William Johnson booking photo.