Suspect in attempted bank robbery in custody, Marion Police say

An arrest has been made in the attempted robbery of Marion Bank on Washington Street.

Marion Police Chief Tony Buford said Michael Mashrah, 32, who is originally from Michigan but now lives in the Marion area, turned himself in Sunday May 29. He is charged with robbery and is being held pending his hearing within the 72-hour limit.

Buford said Mashrah entered Marion Bank Thursday and presented tellers a note demanding money in $50 and $100 bills. “We are very fortunate to have well-trained tellers,” Buford said. “The teller he chose to go to was the middle teller, and she kept him engaged talking to him. The tellers on either side of her triggered the silent alarm.”

Buford said, “It makes you feel good when you have trained people on the job. They were very professional, remained calm and did a good job.” He also said the suspect did not have a weapon, but he does not know if the tellers knew this.

It was Mashrah’s girlfriend that turned him in when she realized what he had done, according to Buford. “We were in constant communication with his family, and we were able to get him to turn himself in (Sunday) around 4:30,” Buford said.

Buford thanked ALEA’s Special Bureau of Investigation for responding promptly to help process the crime scene and identify the suspect. “It’s a win-win situation when things end up” with no one getting hurt, Buford said.