The First National Bank of Berryville branch in Eureka Springs was held up Friday afternoon by a male suspect who was arrested in Bentonville a short time later.
Hunter Cory Chafin, 19, was apparently dropped off at the bank shortly before 2 p.m., and after the robbery exited in a white taxi heading south on Hwy. 23. More than $3000 was taken, according to Eureka Springs Police Dept. Chief Thomas Achord. “A teller saw a black car drop him off, and he walked in and asked about his checking account, which had been closed. He handed the teller a note saying I have a gun, don’t cause any problems, I want your money in fifties and hundreds.”
No gun was seen, Achord said.
Achord said ESPD located the taxi, owned by Abundant Taxi, using GPS. The unidentified taxi driver told police the suspect told her he had gotten a loan and wanted to buy a motorcycle, which he did on arrival in Bentonville. Achord said Chafin bought a black Honda Sports Bike that had been listed on craigslist, for which he paid cash.
Chafin was stopped and arrested heading back toward Eureka Springs with evidence of the crime, Achord said.
Chafin confessed to the crime shortly after 6 p.m., according to Achord, who added that the person who drove the black car that let Chafin out at the bank was not considered an accomplice, he had simply been asked by Chafin to give him a ride to the bank.
“Deputies had been trying to find him on an outstanding warrant,” Achord said, when asked if Chafin had a previous record. “Bank information indicated a Berryville address, but he wasn’t there.”
Eureka Springs schools were put on lockdown with a police presence for about 45 minutes after the robbery because the schools are close to the crime scene.
The FBI has jurisdiction in the case as the bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Achord emphasized that cooperation with Carroll and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices, Arkansas Game & Fish, and Bentonville Police aided in apprehension of the suspect.
