Man accused of robbing bank after just arriving in Utah

WEST VALLEY CITY — A man who police say has had four interactions with police in the first 10 days since he arrived in the state has been arrested after allegedly robbing a bank.

Christopher Thomas Kirby, 37, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated robbery.

On Wednesday, police responded to a report of a bank robbery at 3123 S. Redwood Road. Officers arrived to find Kirby still in the lobby and took him into custody without incident.

"Christopher admitted he robbed the bank because he needed the money for food and clothes. Christopher stated he stole (a) sticky note and pen from the Dollar General store next to the bank and then walked over to the bank to rob it," according to a police booking affidavit.

Using the stolen items, Kirby allegedly handed a bank teller the sticky note which stated, "This is a robbery. I have a bomb on me that will explode. I need $20,000 in a bag," the affidavit states.

Police say Kirby arrived in Utah on a bus from Iowa 10 days ago and has had four interactions with officers, "including mental health calls, trespassing and retail theft," as well as Wednesday's robbery.

"Bank employees interviewed on scene were traumatized by Christopher's actions. When asked, Christopher said he chose that bank at random. Christopher's documented interactions with the police over the last 10 days show that he is an increasing danger to anyone in the community," police stated in their affidavit.

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