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From: Lieut. Dave Brown Date: March 26, 2008 Subject: Arrest of St. Jean’s Bank Robbery Suspect
Over the past few weeks, officers assigned to the Lynn Police Department’s Patrol Division, and detectives assigned to the Lynn Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, as well as the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force, have been diligently investigating a series of robberies, which have occurred at the St. Jean’s Credit Union, located on 527 Western Avenue in Lynn. During each robbery, a light skinned male would disguise his facial features, by wearing a hooded sweatshirt and/or a hat. When he approached a teller’s window, he allegedly passed a note demanding money. No weapons were observed during the robberies. After leaving the bank, the suspect would quickly disappear in the area of Franklin Street, and avoid being captured. Investigators suspected that the thief resided nearby. On March 25, 2008, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Officer David Spelta was on patrol in the area of 526 Western Avenue, which is a multi-unit dwelling. This building is located across the street from the St. Jean’s Credit Union. Officer Spelta, who reviewed the bank surveillance photos of the suspect, and had knowledge of the suspect’s description, observed an individual matching the description. This person was standing in the front lobby of 526 Western Avenue, ringing the buzzers, and attempting to gain entrance into the building, which was posted no trespassing. Officer Spelta proceeded to speak with this individual, and determined that he was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. He was identified as Derek Christiansen, age 34, of 113 Franklin Street, in Lynn. Christiansen could not offer an explanation as to why he was there, and was subsequently taken into custody for trespassing. Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division conducted a follow up investigation. As a result, Christiansen was charged in connection with the three armed robberies, and one unarmed robbery of the St. Jeans Credit Union. Previously, police stressed that by requesting customers to remove hats, glasses and hoods when entering into banks, this could help solve and deter robberies. Please keep this in mind if requested to do so by bank employees.
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