UTICA — The Utica Police Department has arrested a man in connection with the Friday, Feb. 3, robbery of the Adirondack Bank at 185 Genesee Street.

Joseph Thompson, 37, was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 4, on charges of robbery in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, Utica Police units were dispatched to the downtown branch of Adirondack Bank for a robbery hold-up alarm.

Utica Police say that Thompson entered the bank and passed a note demanding money to the teller. After the money was handed to the suspect, police say that Thompson fled eastbound on Elizabeth Street and boarded a CENTRO bus heading to Sangertown Square Mall.

Upon arrival at the mall, the man was picked up by an unknown individual driving a white SUV.

The next morning, police spotted Thompson, stopped him, and arrested him. While searching him, police found a large quantity of suspected cocaine.

The investigation is continuing, and Utica Police are seeking assistance in identifying the driver of the white SUV.

If anyone may be of assistance, contact the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 315-223-3510 or submit a 100% anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at: www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.