Benjamin A. Ducey

Police on Monday charged a Belleville man in connection with the attempted robbery of a Waterloo bank that took place early last Wednesday evening.

Benjamin A. Ducey, 28, of Belleville, is charged with intimidation/physical harm, which is a Class 3 felony.

Ducey is currently being held by the St. Charles (Mo.) Police Department on unrelated offenses.

“For all those who contacted the Waterloo Police Department with information about Ducey, we appreciate the assistance and support,” the police department stated in a news release.

Ducey allegedly left a backpack on the vehicle of First National Bank of Waterloo employee Glen Lutz in the bank’s 744 N. Market St. parking lot. A note instructed Lutz to put money into the backpack. In doing so, Ducey knowingly communicated to Lutz a threat by note to inflict physical harm, court information alleges. 

The incident, which police classified as “unique,” was reported about 5:50 p.m. No weapon was used in the commission of the alleged crime, and there was no face-to-face contact between the suspect and bank personnel at the banking facility.

The suspect had departed prior to police arrival.

Lutz apparently found the threatening note shortly after closing time. The letter indicated that some level of surveillance had been conducted by the suspect prior to the incident, police said.

Police also believe the suspect purchased items used in the crime at the Waterloo Walmart.

Police released surveillance images of a dark-colored car seen in the Walmart parking lot, as well as photos from inside the store that appear to be Ducey, on social media Thursday morning. 

The images provided several positive leads in the investigation.

If convicted, Ducey faces a prison sentence of 2-10 years.