OBPD arrests man who stole from elderly assisted living facility residents

Russell Bannister was confronted by a victim's family member, who was alerted to his presence by an Amazon Alexa device.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 2:30 p.m. January 9, 2020

Ormond Beach Observer
News

A 47-year-old man was arrested by Ormond Beach Police for stealing cash and credit cards from an assisted living facility resident, whose family was alerted after the man was detected in the room by an Amazon Alexa device.

OBPD reported on Thursday, Jan. 9, that on Dec. 22, Russell Bannister entered the victim's room at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility, which is located at 550 Wilmette Ave. After the Amazon Alexa alerted a family member that he was in the room, the family member

Russell Bannister is currently in custody for 15 charges.

confronted Bannister at the facility, according to a press release.

While Bannister initially fled the scene on foot, he was arrested soon after. Through the course of the investigation, OBPD said it has identified two additional victims who live at different assisted living facilities in Ormond Beach.

OBPD also believes there are other victims in other areas of the county. All three of the known victims were 90 years or older, according to the press release. The agency asks that if you suspect a family member was similarly victimized, you should contact Sgt. Tom Larse aat 676-3520 or at [email protected]