Locals react to Malad bank robbery
The two men taken into custody for the robbery in Malad were released from custody Thursday afternoon.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said it is conducting forensic analysis, which will take some time.
The men have been released.
The police are not releasing their names at this point.
The robbery happened at the US Bank Wednesday afternoon.
People who live near the bank said regardless, it’s unnerving to know something like that happened so close to home.
Bob Godwin lives kitty-corner from the bank and he said he moved to Malad to get away from a lot of crime. He said it’s disappointing and a little nerve-wracking to hear about the robbery.
“It’s kind of a real wake-up call because you think you’re protected in a nice little small community but reality is, you’re not,” Godwin said.
“It was surprising, alarming, disturbing,” said Jared Moyle, who also lives near the bank. “It makes you nervous that those types of things can go on that close to your home.”
It’s not just crime in Malad that has people feeling a little concerned. A recent crime spree has hit much of southeastern Idaho. Preston, Downey, Swan Lake and Malad have all seen a recent string of robberies and break-ins.
“It makes you kind of wonder if there’s something a little bit bigger than just somebody ‘Ah we want to knock over a bank today,'” Godwin said. “Whenever you’re seeing a concentrated effort in small areas, it kind of makes you a little concerned.”
“Southeastern Idaho is a really nice place to live,” Moyle said. “A lot of people come here for the lower crime rates and hate to see the crime rates rising a little bit. And I hope that with law enforcement and different organizations, we can get things cracked down a little bit more and get back to our peaceful Idaho living.”
People in Malad said the robbery was a good reminder it never hurts to take extra precautions.
“One ounce of prevention is worth 10 pounds of cure, so if you can take any kind of action to protect yourself, you should always do so at all times,” Godwin said.
We reached out to US Bank for comment, but no statement was given.
The investigation into the robbery is still ongoing.
