Ironic timing for FirstMerit bank to begin posting discriminatory signs

OFCC supporters have reported that signs have been posted today at two FirstMerit branches (Massillon and Mentor), and OFCC has learned that the Akron-based corporation made the decision to post them some weeks ago, and that it is just now being carried out.

The irony of the timing for their order to be carried out cannot be more finely pointed out than by simply reading the last few days' headlines in the Akron Beacon Journal:

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

May. 15, 2004
Customer robbed at S. Arlington ATM

Police are investigating the robbery of a woman at an ATM on South Arlington Street.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. Friday at the FirstMerit Bank in the 1400 block.

Police said the 58-year-old victim was using the ATM when a man approached her car, pointed a gun at her, and demanded her money and bank card code.

The robber then reached inside the car and tried to take the woman's car keys. When the woman stepped on the gas to get away, the robber fired one shot inside her car.

May. 18, 2004
Officials believe suspect is serial robber

A man already wanted in connection with a pair of robberies at the same Bank One branch appears to have struck again Monday, authorities said. An aggravated robbery warrant has been issued for Jon Baumgardner, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Baumgardner, 35, may be on a drug binge, which would explain his alleged crime spree, Akron police investigators said.

Monday's holdup occurred about 9:40 a.m. at the FirstMerit branch at 840 Brittain Road. Bank employees reported that a man with a gun entered the bank and demanded money. He fled on foot once he got the cash.

And before you think this is a new problem for FirstMerit, this weeks' paper also featured a follow-up report on a high-profile First Merit robbery which occurred last year:

May. 18, 2004
Bank robber pleads guilty to 10 charges

A gunman who kidnapped a Copley Township man last winter and then robbed a nearby bank with the bound man in tow pleaded guilty to all charges Monday.

He was arrested Feb. 6 following a standoff with police. More than four hours earlier, he took his father's gun and drove to Montrose. Wanting a different car to use in the bank robbery, he slipped inside an open garage attached to a home on Cobblestone Drive in Copley.

Inside the house, he bound homeowner Jane Stafford, 51, and her son, Scott, 19. Burns then took the son and the family truck to the FirstMerit branch on state Route 18 and Springside Drive in Bath Township.

While Scott Stafford waited outside, Burns went inside the bank and robbed the teller. With money flying out of his hands, he got back inside the car and drove back to the Stafford home.

--------------------

Ohio has one of the highest bank robbery rates in the nation. The Ohio Banker's League is distributing instructions on how banks can ban CHL-holders. But does anyone think bank robbers will honor the signs?

FirstMerit has been serving Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for over 155 years. Pennsylvania has had a concealed carry law since the late 80's, and these stores have never been posted with discriminatory signs!!

Customer Contact Center - 1-888-554-4362
In the Akron area, please call 330-996-6025.
Email: [email protected].
(If you would like to hear back from a FirstMerit customer representative, please indicate that in your message.)

Related Story:
Hypocritical bank policy suggests fear of Ohio citizens

June 14, 2003: Toledo Blade: Ohio ranks 6th in nation for bank robberies