U.S. Marshals Capture Suspect in Mississippi Wanted for Pensacola Bank Robbery

Biloxi, MS -The U.S. Marshals of Pensacola North Florida announce the arrest of Michael Stephen Johnson wanted in connection with a bank robbery yesterday afternoon in Pensacola. Johnson, 40, allegedly walked into the Beach Community Bank at Highway 29 & 9 Mile Road at about 1:40 p.m. yesterday and demanded money. At the time, it was unsure whether or not Johnson used a weapon and it was difficult to determine that from surveillance videos. However, the cameras did capture a clear picture of Johnson and his numerous arm tattoos which helped to identify him later. It was also unclear as to the amount of money taken during the robbery.

Working with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office who was leading the investigation, the U.S. Marshals in Pensacola were contacted this morning by Escambia investigators with a solid lead. According to Lt. Ricky Shelby, they learned that Johnson was hiding out at a Gateway Inn next to a waffle house near the interstate in Biloxi, MS. The Marshals in Pensacola immediately reached out to their office in Gulfport, MS and requested help. A supervisor there immediately dispatched deputies to canvas that area who quickly determined that the hotel was the Wingate Inn at I-10 and I-110 in Biloxi. The deputies then confirmed with hotel management that Johnson was staying there and successfully arrested Johnson without incident. At the time of his arrest there was some drug paraphernalia and money recovered. It is unknown whether or not if the money was some of the cash stolen during the robbery. Any evidence will eventually be sent to the FBI in Pensacola who is handling the bank robbery case.

Johnson also has an outstanding federal warrant in the Northern District of Florida for Violation of Supervised Release, after refusing to obey medical staff and leaving a halfway house while in federal custody. He was originally convicted in 2000 for robbing a bank.

After his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon, Johnson will be transported to the Pearl River County Jail where he will await extradition back to Escambia County Florida.