Person of interest in Paso Robles armed bank robbery in custody for violating parole

One of two individuals that the Paso Robles Police Department has sought in connection to an armed Paso Robles bank robbery is in custody.

Bill Benjamin Hernandez, 48, was booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail at around 9 p.m. on Friday for a parole violation, according to the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office. The charge was not specified.

Hernandez was a person of interest in the armed robbery of Pacific Premier Bank on Nov. 15. Two men wearing masks entered the bank and demanded money while holding guns, before fleeing in a gold Honda, authorities said.

Another second suspect vehicle was identified, a white Chevy 1500 pickup, which was located in San Miguel.

The registered owner was identified as Michael Wallravin, 61, who was arrested early that Saturday and booked on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a controlled substance.

61-year-old William Weldon Chandler was also identified as person of interest in the case and has been sought since then.

The same branch was robbed in September by a man wearing an old man mask, according to a previous Tribune story.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paso Robles Police Department.

This story was originally published December 14, 2019 at 6:09 PM.