Police Arrest Alleged Four-Time Bank Robber

A 52-year-old man was behind bars Thursday on suspicion of robbing three Huntington Beach banks, one of which was held up twice.

Neil Cherry of Huntington Beach was arrested yesterday evening and booked on suspicion of robbing a U.S. Bank branch at 9042 Garfield Ave. at 5 p.m. Dec. 17, a Chase Bank branch at 19021 Beach Blvd. at 11:41 a.m. Dec. 19, a Bank of the West branch at 19006 Brookhurst St. at 11:40 a.m. Dec. 21 and the Chase branch on Beach Boulevard again on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., according to Huntington Beach police Officer Jennifer Marlatt.

Cherry “threatened violence” in the stickups but did not display a weapon, Marlatt alleged.

A tip from a citizen helped authorities track down Cherry, who was arrested at the Bella Terra Shopping Center about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Marlatt said.

According to Huntington Beach Police press release, evidence linking Cherry to the crimes was found in his residence, and he also confessed. His arraignment is set for Monday.

-City News Service