83-year-old SC man arrested in bank robbery that happened two days before Christmas
An 83-year-old man has been arrested in a Murrells Inlet bank robbery that happened two days before Christmas.
David P. Gerchak, 83, of Murrells Inlet, allegedly entered the Coastal Carolina National Bank, 2961 S Highway 17 Business, about 12:43 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2024, and presented a handgun to the teller and asked for money, an arrest warrant said. Gerchak told the teller not to put any “bait” money in the bag.
The teller gave Gerchak $1,900 and he left the bank, the report said.
Gerchak was arrested days later after being located through surveillance video and photos, along with witness statements.
The bank was closed as police searched for the suspect. He was described as a male between 70 and 80 years old, who is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches and 120 pounds, with blue eyes and gray hair.
Gerchak is charged with entering a bank with intent to steal and was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Dec. 26, 2024. He was released on a $30,000 bond on Dec. 27, 2024.
It is unclear from the report why Gerchak allegedly robbed the bank.
Gerchak doesn’t have any prior criminal charges against him aside from traffic violations, according to the Public Index. He did file a medical malpractice suit in 1991 against Primary Medical Associates on behalf of the estate of Karen Gerchak. A death settlement in that case was made in 1994.
