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Records: Lengthy Criminal History for Bank Robbery Suspect

Posted at 4:26 PM, May 07, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-07 16:34:23-04

WALKER, Mich (May 7, 2014) – A man arrested for robbing a bank in Walker on Tuesday was released from prison less than a year ago after serving time for the same type of crime according to online records.

bank robbery suspect walker surveillance

Surveillance Image from Chase Bank Robbery (Walker Police Department)

43-year-old John Michael Barrera is currently being held at the Kent County Jail on armed robbery charges after the Chase Bank inside the Meijer on Alpine Avenue was robbed Tuesday evening.

Shortly after the robbery, police released a surveillance image of the suspect, leading to Barrera’s arrest early Wednesday morning.

Online records show Barrera was released from prison in August 2013 after serving several years for an armed robbery conviction out of Saginaw County.  The following crimes are also on his record:

  • 1995 – Check Fraud
  • 1996 – Forgery
  • 1996 – Bank Robbery (Midland)
  • 1996 – Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile
  • 1997 – Escape – Awaiting Trial for Felony
  • 2004 – Larceny from a Person
  • 2004 – Bank Robbery (Saginaw)

The FBI and Michigan State Police are assisting detectives in Walker with yesterday’s bank robbery.  Detectives in Walker say tips from the public helped lead to the arrest.