Bristol County man charged after allegedly robbing bank while claiming to have a bomb

RAYNHAM — Raynham Police Chief David LaPlante reports that the Raynham Police Department arrested and charged a Taunton man with bank robbery on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, at approximately 9:53 a.m., Raynham Police were notified of a robbery in progress at the Rockland Trust Bank, 275 New State Highway.

Officers arrived at the bank to learn that a male had entered the bank, approached a teller, and passed a note which demanded money and claimed that the male had a bomb. The male then fled in a small gray sport utility vehicle.

Officers located the suspect, later identified as 57-year-old John Stonge of Taunton, and the small gray SUV a short distance away from the bank. Stonge initially refused to stop for police and fled at a low rate of speed, before eventually pulling over.

Stonge was then taken into custody without further incident. A search of Stonge and his vehicle located cash that was stolen from the bank, as well as a brown electrical cord that was attached to a light switch made to look like an incendiary device.

Stonge was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Making a False Bomb Threat, Possession of a Hoax Incendiary Device, Larceny Over $1,200, Disorderly Conduct, and Disturbing the Peace.

Stonge was booked at the Raynham Police station and then taken to Taunton District Court for arraignment.