(Michigan City, IN) - It appears drugs could have been a motive for the bank robbery in Michigan City, judging by the suspect’s checkered past.

According to court records, the suspect, 52-year old Paul Farkas, has a history of drug-related arrests and convictions, including trafficking with an inmate at Westville Correctional Center.

In 2018, the Hobart man was a correctional officer in Westville and accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine into the prison. That charge was later dismissed, according to court records. However, Farkas was later arrested for crimes like maintaining a common nuisance, possession of heroin, and possession of a syringe.

Farkas on Monday robbed Horizon Bank at 5th and Franklin streets. He was captured outside nearby Flanigan Tire with help from a bank customer who followed the suspect on foot while on the phone with a 911 dispatcher. 

Currently, Farkas is being held in the La Porte County Jail on a Level 5 Felony charge of robbery.