OCALA, FL — A woman identified as Christina Gates Thagard, 40, was arrested just 11 minutes after allegedly robbing a TD Bank branch in Ocala at gunpoint on Friday morning, according to the Ocala Police Department.
The incident took place around 10:41 a.m. at the bank located on SE 17th Street. Thagard allegedly entered the bank disguised in a hoodie, sunglasses, and a medical mask, handing the teller a note that read:
“This is a Robbery, I have a gun and will shoot if any alarms or dye packs are inclosed. Fill this bag with all at least 50K. Big bills only. Wait 2 mins to call Police.”
She fled the bank with over $5,000, but officers quickly tracked her down and conducted a traffic stop at 10:52 a.m. on SW College Road near the College of Central Florida. Police recovered the stolen cash, a medical glove, and clothing believed to have been used in the robbery.
Though Thagard denied involvement, claiming others borrowed her vehicle, investigators noted distinctive physical features such as unique fingernails and clothing matching the suspect in surveillance footage.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thagard is a former deputy, which exempts her mugshot from public release under Florida law.
Thagard is charged with robbery with a firearm and is currently held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
