North Canton woman suspect in numerous area bank robberies

By William K. ALCORN

alcorn@vindy.com

LIBERTY

Liberty police officers apprehended a North Canton woman in the Belmont Avenue Giant Eagle parking lot Friday, shortly after her aborted attempt to rob First National Bank, also on Belmont Avenue.

Officers Pete DeAngelo and Alliy Anastis-Nichols arrested Fellicia A. Smith, 39, of 3950 Timberview St. NW, North Canton, who DeAngelo said is a possible suspect in at least a dozen recent bank robberies in northeast Ohio. The FBI is also investigating, he said.

The officers’ initial investigation revealed the license on her car was reported stolen out of Cuyahoga Falls. At that point, Smith was taken into custody and charged with receiving stolen property. A subsequent search discovered a “robbery note,” instructions on what she wanted the teller to do, and a knife and hammer in her purse.

DeAngelo said Smith is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Girard Municipal Court.

According to police, Smith entered First National Bank, 3718 Belmont, about 6 p.m. near closing time. She was wearing a hat, sunglasses and a bandana around her face.

When the suspect approached the teller window, all of which are enclosed in bullet-proof glass, she started fumbling and acting nervously. Without saying anything, she quickly left the bank and drove away in a red Honda Civic. Moments later, DeAngelo and Anastis-Nichols spotted the suspect’s car turning into the Giant Eagle parking lot and blocked her in.

Smith, also charged with attempted aggravated robbery, is being held in Trumbull County Jail pending her arraignment.