Police Nab Suspected Bank Robber at Red Roof Inn

Police have arrested a resident of the Red Roof Inn in connection with the robbery of Chase Bank at 12:58 p.m. today.

The suspect, Kevin Goode, 48, was en route to Toms River Police Department headquarters for processing at 2:05 p.m. after police Chief Michael Mastronardy said he was arrested without incident on the second floor of the motel.

"There was no resistance," Mastronardy said.

Witnesses to the robbery told police they saw the suspect — described as a heavyset white male with a mustache, approximately 40 years old, wearing a red jacket, baseball cap and blue jeans — flee Chase in the direction of the Red Roof Inn.

A responding K-9 unit was deployed. "They picked up the scent and took us directly to a room at the Red Roof Inn," the police chief said.

Police also are in "the process of obtaining a search warrant for the room" as the suspect is transported for processing around 2 p.m., Mastronardy said.

The alleged bank robber did not brandish a weapon while at Chase Bank and used a note to initiate the robbery, the chief said. The proceeds of the robbery are not yet known. 

Mastronardy also said there were no injuries in the robbery to the five employees and three customers in the bank.

Though an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the bank, the suspect was apparently motivated by a $350 bill owed to the hotel, Mastronardy said.

The police chief said the suspect allegedly owed $350 to the Red Roof Inn after checking in April 2, and met with the manager over his bill earlier today.

"He told the manager he would go to the bank and be back," Mastronardy said.

Tony Shah, the owner of the Red Roof Inn, said staff has a great relationship with police and was disappointed the suspect was a resident of the motel.

"It's unfortunate he just happens to be one of our guests. We've worked hard to clean up the place and get rid of the former reputation," Shah said.

Traffic was initially re-routed as police descended on the scene, with officers directing traffic at intersections throughout downtown. As of 2:15 p.m., the detours have been lifted, although traffic is moving slowly.

Chase Bank has re-opened for business.

The Toms River Police Department, South Toms River police, Ocean County Sheriff's, Toms River K-9 Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Toms River Emergency Services unit and the Red Bank Office of the FBI all responded to the robbery.

Goode is being held in Ocean County Jail on $50,000 bail.