Bank robber’s getaway stymied by security guard

by Sean Mahoney , September 1, 2009

NEWPORT BEACH — A Newport Beach transient was taken into custody Monday morning after robbing the Wells Fargo bank located at 2750 West Coast Highway.

According to police, the suspect, James Alexander Beverley, entered the bank around 9:28 am. He presented a note to a teller that demanded money and claimed he had a gun.

The teller responded by handing over an undisclosed amount of cash and Beverley fled outside.

A uniformed security guard, reportedly employed by Pacific Protection Services Inc., pursued the suspect into the bank parking lot and was able to detain him until police arrived.

Police are also reportedly investigating whether there may have been a getaway driver waiting for Beverley who took off when they saw the security guard capture Beverley.

Beverley was charged with robbery and booked at the Newport Beach Jail with bail set at $50,000.

Police ask anyone with information about the suspect to contact the Newport Beach Police Department at (800) 550-NBPD.