Andy Banks

Felon arrested for stealing SUV at gunpoint from missing man who’s feared dead: Reports

A suspect was arrested Monday in Virginia for allegedly stealing an SUV from a North Carolina man who has been missing since Saturday.

Justin Merritt, 34, was arrested in Danville and charged with robbery, larceny of a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with a stolen 2011 Range Rover belonging to William Banks, 39.

The News & Observer reported that Banks vanished in Raleigh, North Carolina, after arranging to meet someone to sell the vehicle.

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WRAL reported that Banks’ cellphone was discovered Sunday along Interstate 40 in Raleigh. The following day, his Range Rover was found abandoned in Danville.

As of Wednesday, the Raliegh Police Department is investigating Banks’ disappearance as a homicide, according to the News & Observer. Police did not provide specifics, but they said they have reason to believe foul play is involved.

Merritt has not been charged in connection with Banks’ suspected death. Authorities have not yet named him as a person of interest in their ongoing homicide investigation.

WTVD reported that Merritt has since been transferred to the Wake County Detention Center in North Carolina. His bond was set at $$265,000.

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[Featured image: William Banks/Facebook]