Forest Hill, La. (10/15/2024) – Authorities quickly apprehended a suspect following an armed robbery and subsequent school threat in Forest Hill Wednesday morning.
At approximately 9:35 AM, patrol deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) responded to assist the Forest Hill Police Department after reports of a possible armed robbery at the Sabine State Bank.
According to RPSO, the Glenmora Resident Deputy and Forest Hill Police Chief arrived at the bank within minutes. Bank employees reported that a white male entered the bank with a backpack and demanded money. No injuries were reported, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
A description of the suspect was immediately distributed to area law enforcement. Sheriff’s Detectives, along with agents from the FBI’s Alexandria Field Office, also responded to the scene.
Investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old William Randle Mitchell, formerly of Ville Platte. Deputies located Mitchell at approximately 9:50 AM in a wooded area off Perkins Road in Forest Hill. He was taken into custody without incident.
Detectives Recovered
Detectives recovered several items of evidence, including a note allegedly used during the robbery that referenced threats to Forest Hill Junior High School and a possible explosive device. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on lockdown.
The RPSO Bomb Squad and its K9 unit conducted a detailed sweep of the campus. After an extensive search, the school was declared safe and clear of any suspicious activity or items.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained felony warrants for First-Degree Robbery and Terrorizing. Authorities also confirmed Mitchell had an outstanding felony warrant from Orleans Parish for a probation or parole violation.
Mitchell was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where bond had not been set as of this release.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 473-6700 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (318) 473-6727.
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