Arrests made in two bank robberies

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A rash of robberies beginning in November of 2010 now has faces to match the crime, according to police.

Detectives are investigating two robberies they believe are connected and they have arrested a man and woman as suspects.

On November 16th the United Heritage Credit Union, located at 64500 Manchaca Road was robbed by a female police identified as Sharon Sue Shafer, 40.

Witnesses say Shafer was wearing a black hoodie, sunglasses and black gloves. Shafer walked up to a teller and demanded money, telling him not to press the button to signal an alarm and said she was “desperate.”

The teller complied with the Shafer, not wanting to put anyone in the bank at risk. After she left with the money, the teller activated the silent alarm.

A second robbery on December 17th at the A-Plus Federal Credit Union, located at 1402 W. Stassney was robbed by a woman wearing sunglasses, a hoodie and gloves. Police believe that suspect is also Shafer. Witnesses say she entered the bank and demanded money. The female teller was approached by Shafer who said she wanted to make a withdrawal but did not have an account, then demanded money.

A witness saw the vehicle, a gold 4-door Saturn, with Texas license plate CM3-N498. Police credit a tip from Crime Stoppers to the arrests of Shafer and Rumberger

During police questioning Shafer admitted to robbing the A-Plus Federal Credit Union. Shafer said she and Michah Rumberger, 31, discussed the robbery prior to its commission and that he was the driver during the robbery.

Rumberger has been charged with robbery by threat. Shafer is being held in the Travis County Jail under a $30,000 bond and is charged with robbery by threat.