THP Trooper Helps Nab Suspected Armed Bank Robber

Nashville, Tennessee — A man suspected of robbing a McMinnville bank this morning was quickly captured and taken into custody by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper in Warren County.

Just before 10:30 a.m., a State Trooper was notified that an armed robbery had just occurred at the Citizens Tri-County Bank in McMinnville. The suspect, who was allegedly armed with a black handgun, was seen leaving the bank on a blue motorcycle and heading toward State Highway 8.

After talking to several witnesses, the Trooper was able to learn the suspect’s identity and his whereabouts.  The Trooper stopped at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Rocky Top Road, near a residence where the suspect, Tony Brakeall, was believe to be located.  As the Trooper waited for back-up units, he spotted Brakeall leave the home in a 1995 Chevy Camaro.  The Trooper stopped Brakeall and took him into custody without incident.

McMinnville Police charged Brakeall Friday with attempted aggravated robbery.