Bank Robbery Suspect's Father Charged

The father of the man accused of robbing a Garner bank last Wednesday has been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

Samuel Cooper, 53, of 2300 Creech Road, was arrested overnight at his home. Cooper was convicted in 1994 of indecent liberties with a child and was on probation when he was arrested.

Sources tell WRAL that Cooper is the father of Samuel James Cooper, 30, who surrendered to authorities Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly robbed the Bank of America at 547 Benson Road.

Authorities said he then fled the scene and ran inside a Domino's Pizza distribution center, where he stayed for less than an hour.

Samuel Cooper was out of jail Monday morning.

Samuel James Cooper was still in jail on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon and felony speeding to elude arrest.