Depoe Bay, Oregon – Two men accused of carrying out an armed bank robbery along the Oregon coast are now in custody after law enforcement recovered more than $50,000 in stolen cash and seized multiple weapons. Authorities say the suspects attempted to evade capture by switching vehicles and setting one car on fire before being tracked down in nearby Newport.
Incident Overview
According to a statement from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred shortly before noon on Thursday at a Columbia Bank branch in Depoe Bay, a small coastal community in Lincoln County. Investigators say two armed men entered the bank, demanded access to the vault, and fled with approximately $50,000 in cash.
The suspects have been identified as Franco Armando Mereno Jr., 37, of Portland, and Jonathan F. Schwentner, 43, of Canby. Both men are currently being held on multiple felony charges, including robbery, aggravated theft, and kidnapping, officials confirmed.
Timeline of Events
Sheriff’s officials say the suspects initially escaped the scene in a red sedan, speeding north along Highway 101, a major coastal route. A short time later, the vehicle was found intentionally set on fire in a vacant lot within Depoe Bay, suggesting a planned attempt to destroy evidence and delay pursuit.
A witness then reported seeing two men abandon the burning car and enter a gray Toyota, which they used to continue their escape. Roughly one hour later, law enforcement located a parked and unoccupied gray Toyota Camry near Don Davis Park in Newport, raising further suspicion that the suspects had switched vehicles again.
Details From Law Enforcement
During a search of the area around Don Davis Park, officers discovered clothing items stuffed into a public trash can.
“Investigators recovered clothing that matched what the suspects were wearing inside the bank,” the sheriff’s office said.
Police patrols in Newport later spotted two individuals matching the robbery suspects’ descriptions in separate locations. One man was seen near the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 20, while the second was located in the Nye Beach area. Both men were taken into custody without incident.
Key Evidence Recovered
A large backpack, believed to have been used during the robbery, was found at Nye Beach. A search of the backpack and the abandoned Toyota Camry led to significant discoveries.
“More than $50,000 in cash and two weapons were recovered during the search,” authorities stated.
Officials confirmed that the recovered cash matches the amount reported stolen from the bank, effectively closing the financial aspect of the case.
Suspects’ Backgrounds
Court records show that Jonathan F. Schwentner has a prior criminal history in Oregon. In 2002, he was convicted of second-degree escape in Union County after allegedly stealing a vehicle, crashing into a pawn shop, burglarizing the business, and fleeing from police. He was later convicted of second-degree burglary in Marion County in 2003.
In contrast, officials said Franco Armando Mereno Jr. does not have a prior criminal record in Oregon, based on available state court records.
Additional Context and Public Safety Considerations
Law enforcement officials emphasized that rapid reporting by witnesses played a key role in resolving the case quickly. The coordinated response involved the Lincoln County Major Crime Team, the Oregon State Police, and multiple local police departments across the central Oregon coast.
Authorities continue to remind the public that bank robberies and other violent crimes often involve unpredictable behavior, putting bystanders at serious risk. They urge residents and visitors to report suspicious activity promptly and avoid approaching potentially armed individuals.
Ongoing Investigation
While the suspects are now in custody, the investigation remains active. Detectives are working to determine whether additional individuals were involved or if similar crimes may be connected.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has stated that further details will be released as the case progresses through the court system.
Conclusion
The swift arrest of the two suspects and the full recovery of the stolen money highlight the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts and community vigilance. Officials credit witness cooperation and inter-agency teamwork for bringing the situation under control within hours.
If you were in the area or noticed suspicious activity around the time of the robbery, authorities encourage you to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
