Dartmouth Man Arrested for Somerset Bank Robbery in Early July

SOMERSET — The suspect sought in a July 5 bank robbery in Somerset has been apprehended by authorities.

Somerset Police Chief George McNeil reports that an arrest has been made after a two-week investigation into a bank robbery that took place in Somerset on July 5.

Police arrested 31-year-old Thomas Rodrigues Jr., of Dartmouth, and charged him with one count of unarmed robbery.

On Friday, July 5, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Somerset Police responded to the St. Michael's Federal Credit Union, located at 891 County St., for a report of a bank robbery.

A man, later identified as Rodrigues, entered the bank and demanded money from a teller. Rodrigues was unarmed and subsequently fled from the bank in a Cadillac sedan with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured in the incident.

Through the ensuing investigation, Somerset Police detectives were able to determine that Rodrigues was the man who allegedly robbed the bank.

Chief McNeil recognizes the efforts of Somerset Police Detective Lt. Jason Matos, Detective Sgt. William Tedford, Detective Nicholas Davidson, Detective James Cardella and Officer Michael DeMoranville.

"This was great work by our detective unit who were able to gather evidence at the scene that led to the identification of Mr. Rodrigues as a suspect," Chief McNeil said. "Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident and we were able to quickly bring this case to a close. I would also like to thank our law enforcement partners who assisted with the investigation."

On Wednesday night, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a search warrant was executed by Somerset Police detectives at a home on Old Plainville Road in New Bedford, with the assistance of the FBI, Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford Police. Rodrigues was arrested without incident and was taken to the Somerset Police station for booking.

In 2011, Rodrigues was convicted of robbing a bank in Fall River. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Fall River District Court.