CRIME WATCH
Wheelchair-bound man arrested for bank robbery
 

Ampy

In an account that reads like a "stupid crooks" story, Chesterfield police arrested Norman L. Ampy, 32, a one-legged man living in the 400 block of Westover Hills Drive in Richmond and charged him with robbery and use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Ampy allegedly robbed the SunTrust bank at 11300 Midlothian Turnpike on Jan. 13 about 11 a.m.

He reportedly entered the bank in a wheelchair and approached the teller with a note demanding the bank's cash. Upon receiving the money, he wheeled himself outside to the getaway vehicle, and was about to get inside when the dye pack exploded. Apparently startled, the driver sped off, leaving Ampy near the bank.

Police later arrested him in his wheelchair at a sub shop in the 10300 block of Midlothian Turnpike. Police continue to search for the driver.

In other police reports:

Belker Court. On Jan. 10, the victim checked on her vacant rental apartment in the 3800 block. When she approached the kitchen, she saw the suspect dart from one of the back rooms and run out the back door. Police believe the suspect may have been staying there for days.

Castlewellian Drive. The victim's children heard the garage door open at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and looked outside to see one of the suspects fleeing as the victim's dog gave chase. Entry was made through an unlocked garage door.

Jefferson Davis Highway. The victim left her 2002 Mercury unlocked with the keys inside on Jan. 15, and the stolen car was later recovered in Richmond.

+ The victims were driving in the 8100 block when they noticed the suspects above them, standing on the Dundas Road overpass. Then, the front windshield and sunroof shattered, and a rock was found in the rear seat.

Kingston Ave. The victim entered the ladies restroom in the 13200 block at 6:04 p.m. on Jan. 14 to find the male suspect inside masturbating.

Lorimer Drive. The victim went outside to empty the trash in the dumpster at 4:10 p.m. in the 15100 block on Jan. 16 when he was confronted by two suspects. One told him, "You know what's up." When the victim tried to run, one suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed him. The victim made it to his office and called the police.

Marina Drive. The victims were asleep in their residence at 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 14 in the 2200 block when shots were fired into their residence. No one was injured.

Meadwood Circle. At about 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 10, a witness observed two suspects steal a 1998 Land Rover SUV from in front of a residence in the 6200 block where it was warming up. It was later found wrecked in the parking lot of Hopkins Elementary School. The suspects had fled on foot.

Midlothian Turnpike. The suspect(s) entered the business in the 10000 block on Jan. 16 through the roof, damaging the building as they entered. They forced open the cash register, taking the money. As they left through the rear door, they set off the alarm, alerting the police.

Weir Place. Suspect(s) stole a 2005 Kawasaki ATV club car that was chained to a trailer at a construction site in the 2600 block between Jan. 12 and Jan. 16. The chain had been cut.