A suspect who was wanted in connection with robbing an Orlando area bank was arrested after authorities used a tip from the public to identify and track him down.
Joao Carlos Do Rego, 43, was arrested by Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Thursday, January 25, on multiple felony charges related to a bank robbery.
According to OCSO, Do Rego allegedly walked into the Truist Bank located at 13950 S John Young Parkway at approximately 10:19 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24.
According to a teller at the bank, Do Rego presented a note that was typed on his phone specifying that he was robbing the bank.
The teller complied and gave Do Rego an unspecified amount of cash from her drawer. According to the teller, Do Rego told her that the cash was not enough and lifted his shirt to expose a black handgun in his waistband.
Do Rego allegedly demanded more money from another teller and was given additional cash. He again told them it was not enough cash and again showed the firearm, according to an arrest affidavit filed in the case.
At that point, one of the tellers told Do Rego that if he wanted more money, the manager would need to get it from the vault. The teller then told the manager and the money was retrieved from the vault.
Do Rego then allegedly fled northbound through the parking lot.
During their investigation, authorities used surveillance video from the bank to corroborate the employees’ recollection of events.
The scene was processed and video from the robbery was posted across social media in an attempt to identify Do Rego.
Detectives received a tip that contained information about a possible suspect. After following the lead, they identified Do Rego and arrested him.
Do Rego is charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, robbery with a firearm, and second degree grand theft. In the state of Florida, a grand theft of the second degree is for property more than $20,000 in value, but less than $100,000.