July 26, 2007

Police arrest alleged bank robber

Two robberies committed on Camden and Leigh avenues

Two armed robberies took place near Almaden in early July. The first occurred at Bank of America, 6490 Camden Ave., on July 5. The second, on July 12, occurred at Citibank, 3510 Leigh Ave.

In both robberies the suspect drove a stolen motorcycle to the bank, used it as his getaway vehicle and then abandoned it several blocks away. He then drove off in his own truck.

Police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Timothy Smedely for both robberies and suspect that he also may be involved in the numerous residential burglaries in San Jose and surrounding cities. Smedely is a contractor who has been recognized for working on refinishing floors. Police believe may be responsible for a number of burglaries over the last several years.

His method was to go to a potential victim’s house and bid for a construction job. The home would later be burglarized.

The police ask that anyone with information about this suspect or who has been a victim of similar burglaries call Det. M. Hinch of the San Jose Police Department’s Burglary Unit at (408) 277-4401. People that wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP.

Information related to similar robberies should be directed to Det. Pineda of the San Jose P.D. Robbery Unit at (408) 277-4166.