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published: Friday, November 16, 2012

Detectives arrest bank robbery suspect

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK - At approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday, detectives with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit arrested Gopaul Narain, 35, of Avon Park, and charged him with robbery with a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. These charges stem from the robbery of Highlands Independent Bank, 400 U.S. 27 North in Avon Park, on Sept. 19.

Narain was in the Highlands County Jail on other charges when he was arrested on the robbery. He was in jail on previous charges stemming from a traffic stop on Sept. 28. During the traffic stop he was charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and giving a false name to a law enforcement officer.

Detectives were able to link Narain to the robbery through evidence collected at the scene and evaluated during the course of the active criminal investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory matched the suspect's DNA with evidence gathered during the investigation of the robbery.

"Detectives have been patiently awaiting the lab results while following other leads. When the lab confirmed the match, detectives were able to make the arrest," Sheriff Susan Benton said.

This investigation remains open. Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Roger St. Laurent of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 402-7447 or 402-7250 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477), or visit on the Internet at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.