Full Notification

Public Information Release
March 29, 2013
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


Suspected serial bank robber, 23 year old Joshua Metoxen of American Canyon, was arrested in Marin County on Thursday after a failed bank robbery attempt.

On March 28, 2013, a teller at the US Bank in Ignacio California pressed the silent alarm after recognizing Joshua Metoxen, as he approached the teller window at the bank. The teller recognized Metoxen from a wanted poster distributed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit. Metoxen is also the prime suspect from a previous robbery at the same US Bank on February 19, 2013. Metoxen fled the scene prior to completing the robbery, but was later apprehended during a high risk felony vehicle stop in the city of Novato. During the vehicle stop, the driver of the vehicle, 21 year old Jack Henry Dennis of Napa was also arrested. Metoxen is currently being held at the Marin County Jail for robbery, attempted robbery and the Lake County arrest warrant for the amount of $750, 000. Dennis was arrested for attempted robbery and is also being held at the Marin County Jail.

Detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Metoxen and Dennis shortly after their arrest in Marin County. Metoxen told detectives that when he saw his picture in the newspaper, he was planning on leaving the country.

Metoxen’s Lake County arrest warrant came after detectives were able to identify him as the person responsible for the robbery of both the Middletown Banks. Metoxen robbed the WestAmerica Bank on February 27, 2013 and the Tri Counties Bank on March 7, 2013.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank all of the citizens who provided information during the investigation. Numerous citizens and businesses assisted the investigation by providing video surveillance which was used to successfully identify Metoxen. Metoxen is suspected of eleven bank robberies and three attempted robberies in the North Bay.

Lieutenant Brian Kenner said “Detectives Doug Dahmen and Todd Dunia are exceptionally good at what they do. This was not a simple investigation, yet they took the task head on and prevailed. They deserve much praise for their efforts. We are all very fortunate to have them working here in Lake County. They truly care about the well being of the members of this community.”