SANTA ANA, California
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against an Orange County man who allegedly took three bank employees hostage when he robbed a bank branch in Anaheim last month – the day after being released from state prison, officials announced Wednesday.
Eric Walter Gray, 53, is charged with one count of bank robbery and forced accompaniment. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Gray has been in federal custody since June 5 after being transferred from state custody. A federal magistrate judge has ordered him jailed without bond.
(News Report May 2024)
“The victims, in this case, dealt with fear and death threats while the defendant held them hostage until they were rescued, thanks to the courage of bank employees who notified police,” said Krysti Hawkins, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the 
FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This ongoing investigation is the result of a collaborative effort among local and federal law enforcement and prosecutors with the shared goal of holding Mr. Gray accountable for his violent actions.”
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed in this case, Gray robbed a BMO bank branch in Anaheim on May 8 – the day after being released from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
While in the bank branch and after loitering there for a long time, Gray allegedly jumped over the teller counter, stated that he had a gun, and demanded money from the teller.
Money was taken from the teller drawers and given to Gray, who put it in his pockets.
Gray then allegedly ordered the bank manager and two bank employees into a storage room inside the bank.
Gray eventually let two of those employees out of the storage room but held the bank manager hostage for approximately one hour, according to court documents. During the robbery, at least one bank employee notified law enforcement.
Eventually, Gray exited the storage room with the bank manager and was arrested without incident. Law enforcement later found cash and narcotics hidden inside Gray’s body, court papers allege.
Gray was taken to a hospital for a scan and, while there, allegedly repeatedly tried to escape and also fought with police officers, resulting in multiple injuries to the officers involved.
“I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, restraint, and compassion of our Officers as they risked their lives to bring this volatile incident to a safe resolution,” said Anaheim Police Chief Rick P. Armendariz. “This incident is just one example of the exceptional work done every day by the men and women of the Anaheim Police Department to ensure Anaheim is a safe community to live, work, and play.”
If convicted of the charges, Gray faces up to 20 years in prison.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged Gray in connection with this incident but dismissed their case so the federal case against him could proceed.
The FBI and the Anaheim Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin J. Campbell of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.