Crime

Man arrested for bank robberies in Taunton and Raynham after resident recognizes him

Roger A. Viveiros was allegedly on his way to rob a Taunton bank a second time when police arrested him in the parking lot, officials said.

Roger Viveiros

A 55-year-old man who allegedly robbed two banks in Taunton and Raynham in the past month was arrested Saturday as he was about to attempt a third robbery, authorities allege.

Roger A. Viveiros was taken into custody outside Santander Bank, at 188 Broadway in Taunton, according to a joint press release from Taunton and Raynham police.

Around 10 a.m. Saturday, Taunton authorities received a call from a resident who reported he recognized a blue 2003 Toyota Camry that had parked outside his house as the one used by the suspect in the robbery of the bank on Nov. 27, officials said. The resident also recognized the driver and said he was the same man — later identified as Viveiros, of Taunton — who robbed the bank last month and wearing the same clothes.

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The resident, whose doorbell security camera footage was obtained by police following the first robbery, saw Viverios heading towards the bank, police said.

Officers who responded to the scene found Viveiros in the bank’s parking lot and spoke with him, according to authorities, who, after searching his belongings, found “a hand-written note demanding cash in one of his pockets.” Viverios was placed under arrest.

“We are very thankful to the resident that noticed that the suspect’s vehicle had once again parked outside of his home and immediately called police to notify us,” Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh said in a statement. “We rely our residents and community members to be our eyes and ears when they witness a crime unfolding and I commend this resident for his diligence and helping to keep his community safe.”

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Raynham Police responded to the scene as well after learning Viveiros’ vehicle and clothing matched the description of a suspect wanted for a robbery at Citizens Bank, inside of the Stop & Shop at 36 New State Highway, on Dec. 4, officials said.

Police, at the time, described the suspect as a “white male in his 30s or 40s and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, jeans, work boots, and a maroon mask.”

“This was great work by officers from both departments to quickly respond to the scene and connecting the dots to tie the suspect to the prior robberies,” Raynham Police Chief James Donovan said in a statement. “We value our close partnership with the Taunton PD and this arrest was a great example of the excellent police work that can get done when we work together.”

Viveiros faces charges in Taunton of unarmed robbery, attempt to commit a crime, and intimidation to steal from a depository. Raynham police charged him with unarmed robbery. Police did not disclose the sums stolen in each of the robberies.

Viveiros had been slated to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.

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