Man Who Used a Can to Allegedly Rob a CU Ends Up in the Can ... Twice

Tristan J. Heidl faces three felonies, including safecracking, but police say he was unsuccessful in stealing cash.

Image from HPD body cam footage at VacationLand FCU. Credit/HPD

An Ohio man allegedly used a can to rob a credit union and then ended up in the can – twice – when police caught him red-handed.

At 2:12 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26 the Huron Police Department (HPD) received an alarm from the VacationLand Federal Credit Union branch at University Drive East.

While checking the building, HPD officers heard noises coming from inside the roof area over the drive-thru. They also saw a blue recycling trash can in the middle of a drive-thru lane under a roof access door.

A HPD officer’s body camera showed the access door swing open and a black backpack containing several construction tools drop to the ground. As the suspect was climbing down feet first, police shouted, “On the ground!” and the suspect fell straight into the can.

Image from HPD body cam footage at VacationLand FCU. Credit/HPD

After he was arrested, HPD identified the suspect as Tristan J. Heidl, 27, of Huron, who has been charged with three felonies, breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools and safecracking.

He allegedly made several unsuccessful attempts to breach areas in the credit union branch that contained money, HPD said.

“The suspect was unsuccessful in obtaining any cash at our branch,” said Alli Winters, SVP of the $294 million VacationLand, based in Sandusky. “We are very thankful for the quick response from Huron PD and are grateful that none of our staff was present during the incident as their safety is always our top priority.”

Mugshot of Tristan Heidl. Credit/HPD

Heidl is being held in the Erie County Jail on a $50,000 bond, and if convicted, he could spend a few years in the can.

View the HPD body camera video.