Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Kelly Smith Ford (Arrested)
DOB: 03/13/1961
Address: 5185 67^th Way North, St.Petersburg
Charges: One count of robbery and one count of planting a  hoax bomb.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide have arrested the suspect they say is responsible for robbing the NorthStar Bank in Belleair Bluffs.

When: 
The robbery occurred at approximately 2:19 pm on Monday, May 8, 2017. The suspect was arrested at approximately 12:45 pm. on Thursday, May 11, 2016.

Where:
The robbery occurred at the NorthStar Bank located at 715 Indian Rocks Road, in Belleair Bluffs. The suspect was arrested on a traffic stop near the 7800 block of 10 Avenue South in St Petersburg.

How/Why:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a bank robbery suspect who robbed a NorthStar Bank in Belleair Bluffs.

According to detectives, the suspect entered the NorthStar Bank located at 715 Indian Rocks Road, in Belleair Bluffs, at approximately 2:19 pm on Monday, May 8, 2017.
Once inside the bank, the suspect walked up to the teller demanding cash. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash. Prior to leaving the bank, the suspect stated: “I left something for you”. Employees reported a small bag left by the suspect placed by the front door of the bank.

The suspect fled from the bank on foot in a northbound direction.

Investigators say the bank was evacuated, and the Tampa Police Bomb Squad responded. There was no destructive device found in the bag, left by the suspect.

Detectives searched for the suspect vehicle and located the, 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, suspected to have been used in the bank robbery.

Detectives later observed the male suspect to be the driver of the suspect vehicle 2006 Chevrolet pick-up truck. The description of the suspect male driver matched the identity of the Bank Robbery suspect. Detectives conducted a traffic in the City of St Petersburg.

Investigators say 56-year-old Kelly S. Ford agreed to be interviewed and was transported to the Sheriffs Administration building.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to determine and positively identify the suspect as, Kelly S. Ford.

Ford was charged with one count of robbery and one count of planting a hoax bomb.

Ford was arrested without incident and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Anyone with further information on this case is asked to contact Detective George Moffett of the Robbery/Homicide Unit at (727) 582-6200 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

The investigation continues.

See attached booking photograph: