The suspect is jailed without bond
Read more: State, Newnan, Bank Robbery Georgia, Bank Robbery Columbus, Bank Robbery, John Ernest Johnston, Charles Lykins, Columbus Police Sgt Harvey Hatcher
(AP) -- A Newnan man has been arrested on suspicion of robbing banks in the Columbus area.
A partial license plate number led authorities to 56-year-old John Ernest Johnston.
The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports Thursday that he faces charges of armed robbery and possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime in Tuesday's robbery of a BB&T bank.
Columbus police Sgt. Harvey Hatcher the partial number was used to track Johnston to his house and he was arrested Tuesday night. Hatcher said police believe he's also responsible for a Sept. 8 robbery of a CB&T bank in Phenix City.
He said the FBI is taking over the investigation and will handle both cases.
Public defender Charles Lykins entered a not guilty plea on Johnston's behalf.
The suspect is jailed without bond.
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