News

Actions

‘Soul Patch Bandit’ arrested, wanted for murder of 1-year-old son in Newport News

Posted at 4:36 PM, Nov 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-22 23:29:52-05

PETERSBURG, Va. - A man believed to be the "Soul Patch Bandit" was arrested after a foot chase in Petersburg Tuesday afternoon, multiple law enforcement sources toldWTVR CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil.

Petersburg Police say the Soul Patch Bandit's name is Artur Kharendzyuk.

Newport News Police say Kharendzyuk has a warrant charging him for the murder of his 1-year-old son.

Newport News Police also said they will have additional details about Kharendzyuk's local charges on Wednesday.

10282016_wells_fargo_2Kharendzyuk was tackled about 100 yards from the Wells Fargo in the South Crater Square Shopping Center on South Crater Road, according to witnesses.

Kharendzyuk was detained by police was carrying a gun, but got rid of it while running from the bank, those witnesses added.

He is currently being held at the Riverside Regional Jail.

The FBI dubbed the man the “Soul Patch Bandit” because of his facial hair.

Kharendzyuk is believed to be responsible for several Central Virginia bank robberies:

October 18, 2016 – Wells Fargo Bank in the 80 block of South Airport Drive in Henrico11072016_union_bank_2

October 28, 2016 – Wells Fargo Bank in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville

October 29, 2016 – Wells Fargo Bank in the 5600 block of Brook Road in Henrico

November 7, 2016 – Union Bank & Trust in the 3100 block of Boulevard in Colonial Heights

November 14, 2016 – Wells Fargo Bank in the 1300 block of Gaskins Road in Henrico

The FBI was offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the “Soul-Patch Bandit.”

If you have any information on this crime contact the the FBI field office at 804-261-1044.