KINGMAN – A police report reveals the suspect made a full confession regarding bank robberies he pulled off one week apart in Bullhead City and Kingman last month. John Steiner, 37, Bullhead City, is charged with the January 3 incident at Mission Bank in Bullhead City and the January 10 robbery of the Mohave Community Credit Union in Kingman.
Kingman police detective Brian Zoll’s report reveals it was January 13 when Bullhead city police investigators reported that surveillance video comparison revealed that the same person possibly committed both robberies. It said similar clothing, sunglasses, coughing and a distinctive walk fueled suspicion of the suspect link.
Zoll’s report said Bullhead City police detective J. Allen indicated on January 23 that it appeared that the same 2013, Ford F-150 pickup truck had been used by the robber. It was on that date that authorities issued a news release offering reward money for information helping solve the case.
Within a short time, a citizen contacted authorities implicating Stein and his vehicle.
Oddly, Steiner reportedly drove the suspect vehicle, full of incriminating evidence, that same evening to the Bullhead City police department to report that someone had pointed a gun at him alleging he was involved in the robberies.
Zoll’s report indicates the Navy veteran told detectives that he was in debt and in need since losing his DES job in early December due to what he claimed were false allegations. It indicated a friend that Zoll visited the same day of the Kingman robbery indicated that Steiner was an alcoholic who identified as transgender before a non-binary status.
Evidentiary items were found as Stein’s vehicle was searched and processed.
“The unique orange lensed glasses that were used in both robberies was locate in the map pocket on the back of the driver’s seat,” Zoll’s report said. “A bag located in the toolbox had clothing, several of which items matched to both robberies.”
The robbery note used in the Kingman robbery was found on a folded paper located in the pocket of a sweatshirt located in the truck.
“Stay calm, breath and do not signal anyone. This is a robbery. Do not activate the silent alarm. Open your cash drawers,” the demand note reads. “Starting with $100 bills, remove the money bands, and fan out the bills so I can verify there is no dye packs, trackers or marked bills. Then place the money into a bank envelope. Repeat this process for the $50 bills, $20 bills and $10 bills until I tell you to stop.”
Steiner reportedly admitted he used a website that provided information on how to commit a bank robbery.
“Calmly slide it all (cash) over on top of this note. Do not raise any attention until after I have left,” the note continued, ending with an implied threat. “Now, just think about your loved ones, going home safely to see them tonight, and follow the instructions above.”
Steiner reportedly told investigators he was purposely unarmed as he did not want to harm anyone. He indicated he would have left empty-handed had the tellers not complied with his cash demand.
Zoll’s report said Steiner indicated “he doesn’t know why” he kept the evidentiary items in the truck. He also repeatedly stated that he thought about turning himself in many times, thinking he’d eventually be caught.
Dave Hawkins
