Off-duty MPD officer able to stop bank robbery in Greenfield

GREENFIELD (WITI) -- An off-duty Milwaukee police officer was able to stop a bank robbery in Greenfield on Tuesday morning, March 12th.

It happened just before 10:30 a.m. at the Great Midwest Bank, located near 27th and Layton Ave.

Greenfield police say the 20-year-old suspect fled from the bank on foot after obtaining an undetermined amount of money.

Daniel Morrell was in the right place at the right Tyme machine on Tuesday! He was off-duty but still in uniform Tuesday morning. He planned to use an ATM when he saw the end of a robbery at the bank.

"I knew something wasn't right. (The suspect came) running from the bank. Well, maybe he's trying to catch the bus?" Morrell said.

Greenfield Police Captain Jay Johnson says Morrell called for help, then followed the suspect in his personal vehicle.

"He had the wherewithal to follow the subject from a distance. He followed the subject in his car as the subject fled on foot," Johnson said.

Morrell followed the man for about four blocks -- tracking him through yards and over fences, until the suspect gave up.

"I think he was tired from running already and I think he realized that it was not going to end well and it was up to him how it was going to end from there," Morrell said.

The off-duty officer subsequently stopped and apprehended the suspect at 23rd and Layton without incident. Money taken in the robbery was also recovered.

"He did a great job -- an awesome job," Johnson said.

The suspect was turned over to Greenfield detectives and is currently in custody at the Greenfield Police Department.