A Fairmont man was taken into custody this morning and was charged with robbery of a banking institution for Tuesday’s incident at Huntington Bank in Bridgeport.

 

Christopher Vincent Figueroa, 35, was charged in the incident. He was taken into custody at approximately 9:30 a.m. Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said he was taken without incident at a motel located on Locust Avenue in Fairmont.

 

Figueroa appeared today before Marion County Magistrate William Holmes. Bond was set at $300,000.

 

The announcement came at a press conference this afternoon inside City Council Chambers at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex nearly 24 hours after the incident occurred. The robbery call went to Harrison County 911 at 3:18 p.m. Tuesday.

 

Walker said his department was alerted by bank alarm. From there, Bridgeport was joined by multiple agencies including the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Clarksburg Police and the West Virginia State Police.

 

The incident went down without any injuries taking place. There were also no weapons involved, according to Bridgeport Deputy Chief Mark Rogers of the crime.

 

“The suspect utilized a note and that’s all I can disclose right now,” said Rogers.

 

Rogers added that cash was taken. However, he couldn’t disclose the amount as the investigation is still going ahead. Figueroa may not be the only one in trouble.

 

“We anticipate that there may be other arrests at a later time,” said Walker, who had no information regarding what those individuals may be charged with.

 

Figueroa is no stranger to legal trouble, according to information provided at the press conference. He was listed as having several outstanding state warrants from various jurisdictions.

 

The identity of the suspect was kept under wraps until the press conference. Walker said the reason for that, as well as keeping tight-lipped about the situation stemmed from the investigation and the fact they believed there was no harm to the public.

 

“Number one, there was never a weapon presented that we were aware of,” said Walker. “We were pretty sure the direction and location he went to shortly after the incident.”

 

As for a motive, Rogers suggested “financial gain,” which drew a few laughs. Outside of the information on the warrants, there was no detailed information available on Figueroa’s criminal past.

 

Eventually, various other agencies joined in the search for Figueroa. Among the groups cited by Walker were the FBI, the ATF, Fairmont Police, Three Rivers Task Force and the White Hall Police Department.

 

“The importance of the inter-agency cooperation was extremely important to us,” said Walker. “The communication was excellent, and the officers were there in a matter of minutes and had the whole area covered.”

 

Sheriff Robert Matheny also spoke of the cooperation involved in the case.

 

“Inter-agency cooperation has become routine, seamless and a pleasure with all the agencies represented here today and all the other agencies, such as our state, federal and local partners. We operate very well together,” said Matheny. “I hope that’s a message not only to the community, but to the bad guys. If you come here, we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

 

Lt. Detective Gary Weaver and Deputy Chief Mark Rogers headed up the investigation for the Bridgeport Police. That investigation, as Walker noted above, is ongoing. The chief also praised those from the public that assisted.

 

“We’re very fortunate to have the assistance and the cooperation of the community. Believe me, it was like a puzzle that came together relatively quickly,” said Walker. “We appreciate the help of everyone.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief John Walker, right, addressing the meeting as Bridgeport Deputy Chief Mark Rogers, middle, and Clarksburg Chief Deputy Jason Snider are shown at the press conference. Bottom photo shows Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny during the press conference.