Bank robbery suspect arrested in Lacey after short hunt

Last Tuesday, July 23, Lacey Police Department (LPD) responded to a robbery at a local bank.  

 “Employees provided photos of the male suspect, who entered the bank and handed them a note demanding money,” LPD stated in its post. 

The suspect was identified as James P. Copeland, a transient male from King County.  

After receiving cash, the suspect fled on foot. 

The suspect’s photo provided by bank employees was distributed among LPD staff and Intercity Transit.  

Officers searched the area for the suspect and an hour later, he was spotted on 4400 block of 3rd Avenue SE, near a hotel.  

In a bodycam video shared by LPD, the suspect attempted to flee by jumping a fence but was immediately tackled and taken into custody. 

The suspect was positively identified by bank employees and matched the security camera footage from the robbery.  

Officers found methamphetamine in the suspect’s pocket and the stolen cash in a bank envelope in his backpack.  

“He has extensive criminal history in multiple states,” LPD reported. 

Copeland has been booked into the Thurston County Jail for first-degree robbery and is being held on $50,000 bond.