Man suspected of robbing 2 Northside banks

$300,000 bond set for man accused of robbing 2 Jacksonville banks in 10 days

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An anonymous tip led police to arrest a man they suspect of robbing both a bank and a credit union near the River City Marketplace over the last 10 days, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Police said 45-year-old Joseph Marcum was picked up Saturday on a warrant for two counts of bank robbery. Sunday morning, a Duval County judge set bond at $300,000.

Police said the Navy Federal Credit Union on Airport Center Drive was robbed just after 3 p.m Friday. According to the Sheriff's Office, Marcum walked into the credit union, waited in line and handed a note demanding money to a teller.

Police said the man, who did not appear to have a weapon, then ran off toward a nearby apartment complex with an unknown amount of money.

No injuries were reported. 

On July 18, the Synovus Bank across the street was held up by a man that police believe was Marcum, who handed the teller a note demanding cash.

Investigators later learned the two bank holdups were connected and obtained a warrant for Marcum.

According to the arrest report, Marcum admitted to detectives that he robbed both the bank and the credit union.

A Goodyear automotive shop just a few feet away from the Synovus Bank robbed last week was burglarized Saturday morning. There's no word yet if that incident is also connected. 

Despite the robberies, many people who live near the River City Marketplace said they not concerned about their safety.

"As far as I know, it’s usually safe. It’s definitely a nice, safe place," said resident Thomas Dukes.

"I think just live your life. It’s not a place you have to watch," said resident Marcos Ferrer.

News4Jax records show bank robberies appear to be on the rise in Duval County. There have 16 so far this year, topping the 15 in 2017 and 12 in 2016. The good news is the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said with Saturday's arrest, every one of the 2018 bank holdups have been solved.


About the Authors:

A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.