Harley

THOMASVILLE — Two “obvious” men visited two Thomasville banks Friday morning, and the duo is believed to be among four suspects charged with robbing a North Florida bank the same day, according to authorities.

The costumed men entered SunTrust Bank on Constitution Avenue, then Farmers & Merchants Bank on East Jackson Street.

One of the “women” put a purse on a bank counter and rummaged through its contents, said Capt. Maurice Holmes, commander of the Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. While looking in the purse, the man mumbled something that could not be understood by a nearby teller.

One of the suspects told a teller, in reference to the person with him, ” ‘He, I mean she, wants to open a checking account,’ ” Holmes said.

The suspects are clearly visible on bank surveillance video wearing wigs, tights, women’s blouses and sandals.

On Friday afternoon at 2:14, the Madison County, Florida Sheriff’s Office received information that four males robbed a Wells Fargo Bank and fled with cash in a gold-colored car.

The vehicle was located on I-10 traveling east. The car exited onto County Road 255. Suspects were taken into custody at a truck stop.

The stickup is being investigated by the FBI and the Madison Police Department.

Suspects, all from Mt. Dora, Florida, are Jeremy Jamal Lawson, Robert Leo Watson, Travonta Shavi Harley and Don’Vell Lenard Johnson.

Holmes said the only crimes that might apply to the men in Thomasville are loitering or prowling.

The commander wondered aloud if the would-be woman searching in the purse at the bank here was looking for a firearm.

The pair parked on Briarcliff Drive and walked through a parking lot to Farmers and Merchants.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820