On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at approximately 9:13 the Middletown Police Department was notified that a bank robbery had just occurred at the Fulton Bank located at 468 W. Main Street in Middletown in Delaware.
The suspect was described to police as a black male, approximately 50 years of age, wearing a bright yellow hooded sweatshirt, a hat, dark sunglasses, a face mask on the lower portion of the face, and black pants. Witnesses told police that the suspect fled in a beige sedan with Delaware registration.
Middletown Police Officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle in the 500 block of Merrimac Avenue shortly after the robbery. Police say the suspect, later identified as Nathaniel Lester, 49, was found a short distance away from the stolen vehicle and was taken into custody.
Officials said the investigation determined that Lester obtained almost $3000 after he displayed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. The money was recovered during the investigation, according to police.
Lester was charged with Robbery First Degree, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, and Aggravated Menacing as a result of the bank robbery.
The beige Chrysler Cirrus that police say was used during the bank robbery was previously reported stolen to Middletown Police. It was recovered during the investigation.
Lester was charged with receiving stolen property valued at over $1,500. He was also charged with Theft Over $1,500 and Forgery Second Degree in reference to an unrelated forged check investigation, according to police.
Lester was also wanted for failing to appear in the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas.
He was committed to the Department of Corrections in lieu of posting a $122,000 cash bail and $1000 secured bail.
Any witnesses are asked to contact Detective Julia Fabbroni at 302-376-9959 or via email at [email protected].