Do you know this man? Waukesha police need your help to identify bank robbery witness



WAUKESHA -- Waukesha police want to talk to him, a man who may have witnessed a violent crime downtown. They have a picture of him, but they don't know who he is. You might be able to help.



This all happened last month, at a bank parking lot in Waukesha. An arrest has already been made, but surveillance video shows a man spoke with the suspect minutes before the suspect allegedly pushed a 75-year-old woman to the ground, stealing her purse.

What this potential witness saw could help seal the case.

Gerald Nickols



Waukesha Police Lieutenant Joe Hendricks says the surveillance photo was taken outside of the Chase Bank near W. Broadway and East Avenue on June 14th. According to the criminal complaint, investigators believe 23-year-old Gerald Nickols was loitering in the parking lot near the night depository box.

Hendricks says the man in the photo stopped and talked to Nickols.

"This individual could know him, could identify him," said Hendricks.

The man walked off, but Nickols allegedly grabbed the 75-year-old woman's purse as she left the bank. The force from alleged robbery spun the woman around, causing her to fall face-first onto the ground.



Police say Nickols took off with the woman's purse, car keys, credit cards and about $80 cash.

"We have made an arrest in this case," said Hendricks.

Police showed Nickols' photo to leaders at the "Hope Center" around the corner. The center provides food and clothing to members of the community.

Joe Hendricks



Nickols was initially identified by staff there, and later by the suspect's mother.

When approached by Waukesha police, Nickols allegedly said he was just waiting for a ride outside the bank -- denying involvement in the strong-armed robbery.

"There's still that missing piece out there that this subject here could have witnessed it," said Hendricks.

There's hope that man in the photograph can help police and prosecutors deliver an air-tight case. They just need to find him.

"Hopefully someone comes forward and says they know who this person is," said Hendricks.

Nickols faces one count of robbery with use of force as a repeat offender. He's currently in custody at the Waukesha County Jail.

Anyone with information about this potential witness is asked to call Waukesha police at (262)-524-3831.