The Orinda Police Department, assisted by the Oakland Police Department, arrested 49-year-old Duane Makela of Oakland this morning in connection with two bank robberies that occurred in the city of Orinda last year.
During a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Makela was identified as the suspect. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for him and a search warrant for his home. Makela was arrested at about 6:55 AM on the 3600 block of Broadway in Oakland without incident.
Makela’s vehicle was also searched. A possible explosive device was located in his car; the device was rendered safe.
Makela was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on robbery and drug possession charges. He is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. For any tips, call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.
