Freedom short-lived for accused bank robber

Tommy Aggie Covington, 41, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of armed robbery in connection with the July 18 robbery of the Mechanics & Farmers Bank at 13 East Hargett St. and the July 22 robbery of the First Citizens Bank at 2001 Fairview Road.

No injuries were reported in either robbery.

Covington walked out of the Wake County Jail last Friday afternoon about an hour before the Mechanics & Farmers bank, which is located a few blocks from the jail, was robbed, authorities said.

"There's an awareness that criminals are sometimes repeat offenders. It may be somewhat unusual for a criminal to be documented as committing a crime so soon after release," said Jim Sughrue, spokesman for the Raleigh Police Department.

"Unfortunately, it's probably not the first time, nor will it be the last," Sughrue said.

In May, Covington was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping after a man was held at gunpoint inside a home.

The Wake County District Attorney's Office dropped both charges in June, because the victim did not cooperate or show up for court, authorities said.

An outstanding warrant kept Covington in jail until last Friday.

Covington was being held Friday in the Wake County Jail under a $360,000 bond.