Gas station clerk helps prevent bank robbery

MARINETTE, Wisc. — Thanks to the help of an onlooker from a nearby gas station, the State Bank of Florence averted every bank’s worst nightmare; an armed robbery.

At about 11 a.m., Ross Anthony Bertucci, 32, approached the bank in Wausaukee pulling a cover over his face. Shortly after, the bank received the most timely of phone calls. A clerk from the aforementioned gas station reached out to alert those inside the bank of the suspicious man. Bank employees locked the door in time and subsequently, Bertucci did not gain entry. He fled from the scene on foot.

Around then, Marinette County Sheriff, Jerry Sauve reports the Marinette County Dispatch received a call stating that the bank had activated its hold-up alarm. As several officers began to respond, a description of Bertucci was formed and those working to find him were informed he was on foot.

Deputies eventually detained a male suspect matching the description near some storage units east of the bank. The suspect was taken into custody and found to be armed with a handgun.

Bertucci is from New York, recently staying in the Crivitz area. He was lodged in the Marinette County Jail on Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Attempted Armed Bank Robbery charges. The incident remains under investigation by the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office and the F.B.I.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin DNR Wardens.