Failed Bank of America transaction sheds light on theft suspects

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Police Department has made strides in identifying suspects connected to six incidents of theft that occurred Wednesday and Thursday, according to a news release from the department.

Police on Friday investigated a suspicious incident at a Bank of America in South Columbia that suggested who might be responsible for the thefts, in which the suspects stole items and credit cards from unlocked cars, according to the release.

The news release stated one woman asked various things at the bank’s drive-through to distract the teller while another woman attempted to cash a stolen check. Both women left when the bank refused to cash the check.

Surveillance videos provided some clues about the suspects’ appearance. According to the news release, the female suspects are described as:

• Suspect No. 1: White, with long black hair and a dark complexion, approximately 5 feet 6-7 inches tall and 25 years old. She had a tattoo on her upper left arm of a cross with a heart in the center.

• Suspect No. 2: White, with collar-length brown/blonde hair and a light complexion, approximately 5 feet 4-5 inches tall and 25-30 years old.

The videos show that four men accompanied the women. According to the news release, the group of suspects is possibly associated with a group called the Felony Lane Gang, which has been connected to various thefts, forgeries and frauds across the southeast U.S.

The videos also show that the suspects drove three vehicles — a black 2010 Chevy Tahoe with a Tennessee license plate, a tan or gold Toyota sedan and a dark gray Chevy Impala or Malibu — according to the release.

The group of suspects steals credit cards and immediately makes large purchases, including high-amount gift cards, at retail stores and restaurants, according to the release.

Citizens are encouraged to contact police at 911 or to call CrimeStoppers at 875-TIPS if they have any information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts.