An Oakland resident has been arrested in connection with two bank robberies in Orinda last year, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, 49-year-old Duane Makela, was arrested without incident at his home in the 3600 block of Broadway in Oakland at about 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, sheriff’s officials said.
A joint investigation with the FBI and sheriff’s office determined Makela to be the primary suspect in the robberies, and a search warrant was issued for his home. The sheriff’s office did not specify when the bank robberies occurred.
A search of Makela’s vehicle found a potential explosive device, which sheriff’s officials said was rendered safe.
Makela was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on $150,000 bail.
Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call Orinda police at (925) 254-6820 or (866) 846-3592 or [email protected].