by Austin Marsman
Less than 12 hours after a bank robbery that closed the City of Plainwell, officers with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department say they’ve arrested a man accused of robbing the PNC Bank, claiming he had a bomb in his backpack.
Paul Donnelly, 50, a native of Jackson, was arrested after being spotted walking on M-222 near Martin after the robbery report. Family members since have indicated he has been suffering from physical and mental health issues, including alcoholism, loss of his job and a brain tumor.
Donnelly is an Eastern Michigan University graduate who was a successful accountant.
Authorities said Donnelly, carrying a backpack, entered the branch about 11 a.m. Thursday, went to the teller and handed her a note. Police say it read, “I have a bomb in the bag. Put all non-marked money in a bag.”
The teller did as she was told and the man exited the building. From there he was last seen heading north.
Police had people leave nearby buildings and closed off streets for several blocks, setting up check points. Michigan State Police Bomb Squad personnel used a robot to determine the backpack was filled with nothing but old clothes. Streets reopened around 1:30 p.m.
He was walking along U.S.-131 south of the Martin exit and was captured by Michigan State Police around 1 a.m. Friday.
He’s currently being held in the Allegan County Jail, awaiting charges in federal court.
