$100K Cash Bond Set for Cheyenne Man Charged in Bank Robberies

Bond was set at $100,000 cash Monday for the 34-year-old Cheyenne man charged in connection with last week's back-to-back bank robberies.

RELATED: Cheyenne Man Accused of Robbing 2 Banks, Hitting Cop With Hammer

According to a booking sheet, police were called to a robbery at the Jonah Bank of Wyoming at 205 Storey Blvd. around 3 p.m. on July 25, 2024.

Police: Alleged Bank Robber Presented Explosive Devices

Police say the suspect, later identified as Eric Smith, presented what appeared to be an explosive device and demanded money, and had fled the scene by the time they got there.

While on scene, officers received a report of a vehicle theft in the 300 block of Arbor Lane, approximately one block from the bank.

They say the reported stolen vehicle was later used to rob the Western Vista Federal Credit Union at 3207 Sparks Rd., where Smith again produced what was believed to be an explosive device and demanded money.

Around 4 p.m., officers were called to the 2200 block of Meadow Drive after Smith reportedly tried to steal a woman's car. Smith then reportedly fled on foot.

Police K-9 Takes Down Alleged Bank Robber After His Handler Takes Hammer to the Chest

Officers found Smith walking along the sidewalk near the intersection of Taft Avenue and Meadow Drive and commanded him to stop, but Smith reportedly refused to obey and threw a hammer at Officer Ben Vapenik, striking him in the chest.

Vapenik's K-9 partner, Maverick, was able to apprehend Smith, and Smith was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he was cleared for jail.

Police say the stolen vehicle was later located about one block away from where Smith was arrested.

Alleged Cheyenne Bank Robber Charged With 3 Felonies

Smith was subsequently charged with three felonies, aggravated robbery - deadly weapon, theft, and interference with a peace officer - bodily injury.

He refused to appear in Laramie County Circuit Court on Monday morning and was moved to Tuesday morning's jail court list.

If convicted on all three counts, Smith could face five to 45 years in prison.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.