A Texas man told investigators that he robbed a bank on Oct. 4, the day before his wedding, to help pay for a ring and a venue, local police said.
Heath Edward Bumpous, of Crockett, is facing an aggravated robbery charge for the incident that took place on the morning of Oct. 4 at Citizens State Bank in Groveton.
“He demanded money and indicated he had a weapon. He told the bank teller that he had a gun. So, anyways, they ended up giving him money,” Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said on Facebook, adding that Bumpous threw his clothing out of the window of his car as he was leaving the crime scene.
The robbery occurred at about 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to a Nixle alert from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was described as a heavy-set white male, wearing a dark hat and dark shirt. He was last seen driving a gray Ford Focus with a hatchback.
The police also placed Groveton school district on lockdown as a precautionary measure. During the lockdown no one was allowed in or out of schools until the law enforcement determined it was safe.
Wallace said that Bumpous’ fiancee saw the surveillance video stills of the suspect who robbed the bank posted on Facebook by the police and recognized him. The bride-to-be then called Bumpous to confirm if it was indeed him in the picture.
“She convinced him that she knew it was him, his picture was all over Facebook, and he needed to turn himself in,” said Wallace. “So, he went to the Houston County courthouse and turned himself in to a Houston County deputy.”
The rangers were able to recover some of the money, along with the clothes and the weapon, Wallace said, adding that Bumpous had confessed to the crime.
“Upon the interview, he basically stated that he was getting married tomorrow, so he didn’t have enough money for a wedding ring that he wanted to buy, and he needed to pay for the wedding venue,” said the Sheriff. “So, apparently that’s what the money was for.”
Bumpous is currently being held at the Trinity County Jail. The amount of bail bond is yet to be set. Wallace said the case will go to a grand jury and Bumpous will be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.”
It remains unknown if and when the couple will tie the knot.
