Suspected Bank Robber Stopped by Customer Now Behind Bars

The man accused of trying to rob Great Midwest Bank on 76th Street near Southridge Mall, only to have his attempt foiled by a customer, has been arrested and charged, according to Greenfield police.

James E. Slater, a 33-year-old Milwaukee man, was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with felony robbery of a financial institution and possession of an electric weapon after police say he tried to rob the bank July 13.

According to Greenfield police Sgt. Ray Radakovich, patrol officers found a piece of clothing near the bank that was later found to have both Slater's DNA as well as that of a customer, who fought with Slater during the robbery attempt.

Slater was also identified by a bank teller during a line-up procedure," Radakovich said.

During the robbery attempt, Slater entered the bank and displayed a Taser and ordered tellers to the vault area and had them lay face down while he zip-tied their hand’s behind their backs, according to police.

While trying to get keys for the safe, a customer walked in and was escorted back to the vault by Slater. When ordered to the floor, the customer began fighting with the suspect and was tased on the side of the face, causing slight injuries.

Slater fled without obtaining any money, police say.