Delray Beach Man Honored By Police For Helping Capture Bank Robber

by News Desk | May 13, 2022 · 8:09 am | Delray Beach News

Leonard James Honored A Hero For Assisting Police In Capturing A Delray Beach Bank Robber

Last Updated: Mar 28, 2026 · 4:04 pm

Join the conversation.

Most reader discussion happens on our Facebook page. Follow Boca Post for breaking news and join the conversation.

This Advertising Spot Is Available

Reach Boca Raton readers daily through trusted local news coverage.

Secure this placement and get your business in front of thousands of local readers.

Limited placements available. Local businesses only.

Leonard James Honored A Hero For Assisting Police In Capturing A Delray Beach Bank Robber

DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) — Leonard James of Delray Beach was honored by Delray Beach Police Department for the heroism shown on  February 1st, 2022, when his actions assisted law enforcement in the capture of a suspect who allegedly robbed a bank that day.

Mr. James was walking into the TD bank on 969 SE 5th Avenue when he knew something was wrong and had the presence of mind to see the place was being robbed by a ban with a machete.

Advertisement

Mr. James retreated to his vehicle and observed as the suspect calmly walked out of the bank after getting $2,000 from the teller. Mr. James then covertly followed the suspect in his dark-colored SUV and was able to get a full license plate number.  Mr. James provided dispatch with a full description of the suspect, the vehicle, and the plate number. The suspect’s vehicle then fled south on Federal Highway and Mr. James returned to the bank to wait for the Police.

Delray Beach Police say that due to Mr. James’ actions, law enforcement was able to start tracking the suspect as he entered Broward County. As Boca Post originally reported, the bank robber was later captured in Miami after a short standoff where he was observed throwing cash out of his vehicle.

Delray Beach Police attribute the suspect’s safe apprehension to Mr. James, a good samaritan who got involved when most people wouldn’t.

Boca Post salutes you, Mr. James.

Boca Raton Restaurant Among 4 Emergency Closures In Palm Beach, Broward

Dirty Dining: Boca Raton Restaurant Among 4 Emergency Closures In Palm Beach, Broward

State records show four emergency restaurant closures in Palm Beach and Broward during the week ending March 29, including one in Boca Raton, while hundreds of inspections across the two counties turned up a long list of high-priority violations.

Boca Raton Police Department - Traffic Advisory

Lane Closures on Dixie Highway South of Glades Road After Crash, Boca Raton Police Say

Boca Raton Police issued a traffic advisory Monday afternoon after a crash closed one northbound lane and one southbound lane on Dixie Highway just south of Glades Road.

FDLE issues Missing Child Alert for 12-year-old girl last seen in Clermont

FDLE Issues Missing Child Alert for 12-year-old Girl Last Seen in Clermont

FDLE issued a Florida Missing Child Alert for 12-year-old Sofia Prendiville, last known to be in Clermont in Lake County.

Boca Raton Morning Weather Update: Breezy East Winds, Spotty Storms, And Dangerous Surf

Boca Raton Morning Weather Update: Breezy East Winds, Spotty Storms, and Dangerous Surf

Boca Raton stays breezy and seasonably warm today with a 50% chance of passing showers and a few thunderstorms. The bigger impact is at the beach and on the water: a high rip current risk continues through midweek, and hazardous boating conditions linger with elevated s…

Lake Worth Man Accused of Taking Access Key From Voter Registration Terminal - John Dominick Panicci

Lake Worth Man Accused of Taking Access Key From Voter Registration Terminal

A Lake Worth man is facing charges after investigators say he stole an encrypted access key from a voter registration terminal during a Palm Beach County elections training session.