Police: Army recruiter robs Arkansas bank

FORT SMITH — A U.S. Army recruiter faces a felony robbery charge after police say he held up a bank in Bonanza to repay loans he had taken out.

First Sgt. Ryan Christopher Hooper, 36, of Spiro was arrested Thursday after officers spotted his truck, which matched one used in the robbery, said Sebastian County sheriff’s Capt. William Hollenbeck. Hooper surrendered to officers without a struggle.

Deputies said Hooper walked into the Farmers Bank branch Monday and softly told a teller to put the money she had into a backpack. Investigators said Hooper never showed a weapon to the teller, but held his hand against his right side in a way suggesting he had one.

Hollenbeck said Hooper confessed during an interview with investigators that he stole the undisclosed amount of money. He later told investigators where he hid the money and named those he owed, Hollenbeck said.

Hollenbeck said the Army was cooperating with the investigation. Hooper works as a recruiter in an office at Central Mall in Fort Smith. Officials at the recruiting station declined to comment Friday about his arrest.

Hooper was being held without bond Friday at the Sebastian County jail. He will appear before a judge Monday and had not yet obtained a lawyer, jailers said.