Ex-Con Jailed for Hostage Bank Heist

A brazen daylight bank heist turned hostage situation in Anaheim, California, has landed a 53-year-old ex-con behind bars. Eric Walter Gray, a resident of Orange County, allegedly robbed a BMO bank branch last month, just one day after his release from state prison.

According to an affidavit, Gray jumped over the teller counter at the bank, stated he had a gun, and demanded money from the teller. He proceeded to take money from the teller drawers and put it in his pockets. Gray then allegedly ordered the bank manager and two bank employees into a storage room inside the bank, where he held the bank manager hostage for approximately one hour.

A bank employee quickly notified law enforcement, who responded to the scene and arrested Gray without incident. During the arrest, officers found cash and narcotics hidden inside Gray’s body. He was taken to a hospital for a scan, where he allegedly repeatedly tried to escape and fought with police officers, resulting in multiple injuries to the officers involved.

Gray has been in federal custody since June 5 and is currently jailed without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for June 24 in United States District Court in Santa Ana. If convicted, Gray would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

“One day after his release from prison, this defendant allegedly chose to return to crime by taking three victims hostage while he robbed a bank,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office will continue its efforts to prosecute and punish violent recidivist criminals who harm our community.”

Gray’s indictment is a prime example of the ongoing efforts by local and federal law enforcement to combat violent crime in the region. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged Gray in connection with this incident, but dismissed their case so the federal case against him could proceed.

“I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, restraint, and compassion of our Officers as they risked their lives to bring this volatile incident to a safe resolution,” said Anaheim Police Chief Rick P. Armendariz. “This incident is just one example of the exceptional work done every day by the men and women of the Anaheim Police Department to ensure Anaheim is a safe community to live, work, and play.”