A Pembroke man made off with an undisclosed amount of cash after a brazen mid-morning bank robbery at Mutual Bank in Hanson on February 20.

Joseph R. Morris, 35, of Taylor Point Road, Pembroke is currently being held at Plymouth County Corrections Facility after a positive identification resulted in his arrest less than an hour after the robbery.

The robbery occurred around 10:30 a.m. at 620 Country Road, according to Chief Edward Savage of Hanson Police.

Officers were dispatched to the bank after receiving a holdup alarm and a simultaneous call from bank personnel stating they had just been held-up.

“We can’t comment on the events of last week’s robbery at our Hanson branch, because we don’t want to compromise the ongoing police investigation. But I am glad to have the chance to say how proud I am of our quick-thinking and level-headed staff in Hanson headed by manager Brenda Santarpio and assistant manager Amy Chandler. Their response was exceptional,” said Mutual Bank CEO Glen White.

Utilizing bank images, and witness descriptions, police officers sent out an immediate Be on the Lookout order for the alleged suspect.  A witness stated to police that a tan colored car headed north on Route 58 after seeing a man flee the bank in a brown floppy hat.

“The mechanism of robbery was a hand-written note demanding cash and the threat of a gun,” said Savage.

“There were no injuries to patrons or staff,” he stated.

Sergeant Richard Gambino, described as an “alert Abington officer” by Savage, witnessed a tan vehicle and stopped the car leading to the subsequent identification and arrest of Morris.

“We are also grateful to the Hanson Police Department, and thank them for their fine work. Their efforts make Hanson a safe town to work and live in, and we as a community owe them our gratitude,” added White.

The charges against Morris include armed robbery of a bank and larceny over $250. He also was arrested on three outstanding warrants, operating under the influence of drugs, operating after license suspension, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act.

“Morris’ bail was set at $25,000.  He will be arraigned Monday, February 23 at Plymouth District Court,” added Savage.

“I am very pleased with the attentive and professional response of our officers, bringing this incident to a swift resolution. It is not uncommon to experience a rise in crimes during a period of economic downturn,” added Savage.

The incident remains under investigation by Officers Jeffrey Bailey and Peter Daley and Detective Steven Gorman and Sergeant Michael Casey of the Hanson Police Department.