Young Couple Admit to a String of Bank Robberies in Oregon and Washington

The Clark County Sheriff’s office has released a photograph of a young couple robbing a bank in Umpqua, Salmon Creek, on November 6. Andrew Bekman (31) and his female accomplice Amira Askew (28), have been arrested and admitted to a string of bank robberies, according to the sheriff’s office.

They are suspected of robbing more than 10 banks in Oregon and Washington since June this year.

Photograph Suggests Andrew Bekman Was Reaching for a Gun

The photograph, taken when the couple approached a teller at the Umpqua bank, shows them wearing blue medical masks used during the pandemic. Bekman has his right hand inside the left of his jacket, suggesting he is reaching for a weapon.

According to investigators, their modus operandi was to burst into banks, demanding money.

Joint Law Enforcement Operation

Following information from a tipster, investigators served a search warrant at a residence in Battle Ground on Wednesday, November 20. Sheriff’s deputies, police officers from Portland and Vancouver, and the Southwest Regional SWAT team were involved in the search.

Detectives took possession of bullet-proof vests, weapons, and clothing matching descriptions of what the robbers were wearing during the robberies. They also uncovered a note reading: ‘This is a robbery. I have a gun. Empty your till.’

They have been charged with first-degree robbery.