A 63-year-old man is behind bars after police say he forcefully took money and sensitive documents from a 74-year-old woman inside a North Charleston bank.
Incident at South State Bank
According to the North Charleston Police Department, the incident happened on August 28 at the South State Bank on Centre Pointe Drive.
Authorities allege that the suspect, Sammie Green, “snatched $180 and a document containing the victim’s bank account number” directly from her hands.
Bank staff and police quickly intervened, and Green was arrested at the scene. The stolen money and document were returned to the victim, who was not reported to be physically injured but was left shaken by the encounter.
Charges Upgraded After Review
Initially, Green was charged with petty larceny, a relatively minor theft charge. However, after reviewing surveillance footage from the bank, detectives determined that his actions met the legal threshold for more serious crimes.
On Friday, Sept. 12, police upgraded the charges to:
Entering a bank with intent to steal
Strong-arm robbery
Green was then re-arrested and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center on the upgraded charges.
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Sammie Green, 63 |
| Victim | Woman, 74 |
| Date of Incident | Aug. 28, 2025 |
| Location | South State Bank, Centre Pointe Dr., North Charleston |
| Items Stolen | $180 and bank account document |
| Initial Charge | Petty Larceny |
| Upgraded Charges | Entering a bank with intent to steal; Strong-arm robbery |
| Arrest Status | In custody at Al Cannon Detention Center |
Protecting Elderly Residents
Police say the quick arrest highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting senior citizens, who are often targets for theft and fraud due to their age and vulnerability. Strong-arm robbery — taking property directly from someone through intimidation or force — carries serious prison time if convicted.
What began as a petty theft case has escalated into serious robbery charges after police reviewed surveillance footage. With Sammie Green now facing felony counts, the case underscores how law enforcement uses evidence to ensure charges reflect the severity of a crime — especially when vulnerable victims, like elderly citizens, are involved.
