A man accused of robbing a Warren bank on Monday told police he was forced to commit the crime.
Joseph Queen, during a video arraignment Wednesday morning in Warren Municipal Court, told police detectives that someone made him rob the First Place Bank on East Market street in Warren.
"The investigation into all of this continues if he was forced to actually do it. But don't have anything leading that way, not at this point, no," said Detective Mike Currington.
Queen pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge and is being held at the Trumbull County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Police said after robbing the bank, Queen fled on his bike with an undetermined amount of money. Officials still have not been able to recover the cash.
The robbery happened Monday morning, and officials said Queen did nothing to try and hide his identity. Queen could be seen clearly on the bank's security video.
"He didn't attempt to disguise himself, or avert the camera in any way shape or form. I don't know if he was that brazen or that stupid," said Warren City Law Director Greg Hicks.
Right now, Queen is facing a felony robbery charge and is expected back in court next week for a preliminary hearing. At that time, he can either go forward with the hearing or have his case sent directly to the Trumbull County grand jury to consider a possible indictment.
