GREELEY, Colo. — Greeley Police said officers responded on Thursday, June 11, to East Memorial Park after receiving reports of an unwanted person camping on the property.

Police arrived and contacted 35-year-old Itzae Mares. Officers took Mares into custody without incident and booked him into the Weld County Jail on charges of municipal camping and obstruction. He was released on summons a few hours later.

After his release, police said Mares allegedly stole a bicycle, spray-painted a toy cap gun to look like a real firearm, and entered the Chase Bank in the 4700 block of 29th Street. Police said Mares used the spray-painted toy gun to rob the bank and fled the scene on the stolen bicycle.

Greeley Police Department Special Enforcement Team and patrol officers searched the area after the robbery. Police said they spotted and contacted Mares in the 3800 block of Centerplace Drive shortly afterward.

Police said Mares was taken into custody without further incident. At the time of arrest, officers said he was still in physical possession of the realistic replica firearm and the stolen bank cash totaling $2,000. Detectives interviewed Mares, and police said he provided a detailed confession to the robbery.

Mares was booked into the Weld County Jail on charges of aggravated robbery and felony theft.

Greeley police said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact Detective Brian Hunziker at Brian.Hunziker@greeleypd.com. Police said all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that no further details will be released on the day of the post.

Brighton, CO

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