February 19

Portland police nab suspected bank robber

By Dennis Hoey dhoey@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — A quick response by Portland police led to the arrest of a man who allegedly robbed the Key Bank in Monument Square on Tuesday afternoon.

Just after 2 p.m., a bank teller notified police that a man had entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. The suspect was last seen fleeing east on Congress Street with about $1,000 in his possession.

A description of the suspect was immediately broadcast to police patrols. About nine minutes after the robbery had taken place, Officer Dan Rose located a person who was wearing the same clothes as the robber.

Rose approached 49-year-old Joseph Blais of Portland at the intersection of Cumberland Avenue and Chestnut Street. Blais was found to be in possession of $1,000 wrapped in a bank band.

No weapon was used or located by police. Blais was taken to the Cumberland County Jail where he was charged with Class B robbery.

Blais is being held on $15,000 cash bail.

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