Suspect in Pensacola Armed Robberies Captured by Marshals Fugitive Task Force

CRESTVIEW, FL -The U.S. Marshals North Florida Violent Fugitive Task Force and investigators from the Pensacola Police Department apprehended James William Hayes at an apartment complex in Crestview this morning. Hayes is a suspect in the October 6th armed robbery of the Advance America Cash Advance business on Creighton Road in Pensacola. According to police reports, the 26 year-old Hayes reportedly made off with about $5,000 in cash from the store and several hundred dollars in cash and some personal belongings from customers in the store at the time. Witnesses at the business stated that a suspect believed to be Hayes entered the business through the front doors and demanded a purse from a customer. Witnesses said that the suspect then pulled a black semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and demanded a wallet from another customer. After that he ordered cash from the drawer of a clerk who handed over about $2,000 and then he told her to open the safe taking approximately another $3,000 in cash. After taking the cash, he ordered everyone into the restroom at gunpoint.

Later that same day, Pensacola Police investigators followed leads that led them to Crestview. Once Pensacola Police determined that Hayes was their suspect, they contacted Investigators from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and requested their help. Investigators from their Warrant Squad who are assigned to the Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in turn contacted the Marshals.

“Every time we are contacted by fellow law enforcement agencies for assistance we are more than happy to help,” said U.S. Marshal Dennis Williamson. “This case shows the strength of several departments when they work together unified as one,” said Williamson.

At about 6 a.m., Pensacola Police and the Marshals Task Force members from Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Walton Beach Police Department and a Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, had to force entry after no one would answer the door. Hayes was found inside and placed under arrest without further incident. Hayes is wanted on Pensacola Police Department warrants for Robbery with a Firearm and Kidnapping-False Imprisonment of an Adult. Hayes is being held at the Okaloosa County Jail.