An attempted robbery suspect and his alleged accomplices went down faster than Bud Light sales after the brazen act in a Stafford County bank yesterday.

On July 17th at 12:21 p.m. deputies responded to the Atlantic Union Bank at 1044 Warrenton Road for a robbery in progress. Deputy W.E. Trainor IV arrived to find that the suspect had fled the bank on foot. A perimeter was established, but deputies were unable to immediately locate the suspect.

The investigation revealed the suspect entered the bank and produced a note demanding cash. The suspect proceeded to leave the bank without obtaining the cash, but not before cameras captured a perfect picture of him. The photo was shared on our social media leading to the quick identification of the suspect.

Deputies learned the suspect had been in a Spotsylvania County pawn shop with two other subjects earlier in the day and planned to return to the pawn shop in the afternoon.

Detectives with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office joined Spotsylvania deputies to maintain surveillance of the pawn shop. Their efforts quickly paid off as the suspect and the two other subjects returned to the pawn shop at 3:13 p.m. All three were quickly detained.

As a result of the investigation, the man who entered the bank with the note was identified as John Zinno, 46, of Charlottesville. The other men were identified as Winn Spears, 51 and James Harris III, 57, both from Cumberland, Virginia. All three men were charged with attempted robbery and conspiracy. All three men were held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Thank you to everyone that shared the surveillance photo and called in tips! Your assistance helped get these suspects off the streets within hours of the offense. Thank you to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the apprehension of the suspects. This is an ongoing investigation.

Interested in making a difference in the community and keeping Stafford County safe? We are looking for deputies! Visit staffordsheriff.com or contact our Recruiter at 540-658-5204 to hear about the Public Safety Pay Scale and benefits.