A 49-year-old man tried to withdraw money from an account at HSBC Bank under a false name on Thursday, but police were called, and he was arrested, police said.
Arrest photo from Darien P.D.
Colin Smith, 49, of Waterbury, charged on April 11 with identity theft and related crimes.
Darien police described what happened with this account, including accusations not proven in court:
The man entered HSBC Bank at 151 Post Road shortly before 1:30 p.m. and tried to withdraw the money using a falsified New Jersey driver’s license and bank cards, all bearing the name “William Evans.”
Something made bank employees suspicious, and police were called. When they arrived, police questioned the man, who told them his name is “William Evans.” He said he was at the bank to withdraw money. As police questioned him further, he correctly identified himself as Colin Smith, who lives on Myrtle Street in Waterbury.
A bank employee gave police the driver’s license and bank cards he had used to try to get the withdrawal, along with a withdrawal slip for $6,200.
When asked what he was doing at the bank, he informed officers he had come to withdraw money.
An employee of the bank turned over several items that Smith had provided them with when the transaction was attempted. Included in those items was a falsified New Jersey driver’s license, bank cards, and a withdrawal slip made out for $6,200.
Smith was charged with second-degree identity theft, criminal impersonation, criminal attempt at third-degree larceny, first-degree forgery and interfering with an investigation.
Police held him on a $25,000 bond until a state bail commissioner later went to the Police Department Headquarters and changed Smith’s bond to a written promise to appear. Smith was released and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on April 22.