Suspect Apprehended in Joint Investigation of Recent Bank Robberies Across Multiple Counties

by Staff Report , December 28, 2023

Above: Gregory Wise arrest photo
(All photos courtesy of Redding PD)

Originally published by the Redding Police Department:

On December 21, 2023, Detectives from the Redding Police Department, Chico Police Department and Red Bluff Police Department conducted a joint operation related to an investigation into several recent bank robberies. The operation resulted in the safe arrest of 38-year-old Gregory Wise, of Redding.

On November 17, 2023, the Redding Police Department responded to a bank robbery alarm at the Umpqua Bank, located at 1951 Churn Creek Road, in Redding. Arriving officers confirmed a bank robbery occurred. The investigation revealed an unknown suspect entered the bank wearing a costume mask depicting an elderly man, sunglasses and a medical face mask. The suspect showed a note to the teller, demanding money. The teller provided money to the suspect, who fled the area. The suspect was not immediately located. (RPD Case: RPD23-037846)

On December 1, 2023, the Chico Police Department responded to a bank robbery at the Tri-Counties Bank, located at 780 Mangrove Avenue, in Chico. The suspect in the robbery was wearing near identical clothing, and costume mask. The suspect presented a note demanding money, which was provided. The suspect fled in a vehicle, and was not immediately located. (CPD Case: 23-008167)

On December 18, 2023, the Red Bluff Police Department responded to a bank robbery at the US Bank, located at 801 Main Street, in Red Bluff. Again, the suspect in the robbery was wearing similar clothing and a costume mask. The suspect presented a note demanding money, and fled after receiving it. The suspect was not immediately located. (RBPD Case: 23-3820)

The suspect did not display a weapon during any of the reported robberies.

Detectives from each of these agencies collaborated to investigate the series of robberies, and ultimately identified a suspect, 38-year-old Gregory Wise, of Redding. On December 21, 2023, Detectives safely contacted Wise and conducted a search of his residence. During the search, Detectives located evidence linking Wise to the robbery spree, including a matching costume mask, clothing and cash.

Wise has prior convictions for weapons, theft and stalking charges. He was released from Parole on November 17, 2023, the date of the first reported bank robbery. Today, Wise was booked into Shasta County Jail for Robbery. Charges related to all three robberies will be sought against Gregory Wise.