Detectives arrested 31-year-old Andrew Bekman (31) and 28-year-old Amira Askew for First-Degree Robbery
On Wednesday (Nov. 20) at about 9:30 a.m., the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a home in Battle Ground in connection with a bank robbery investigation.
Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigators, along with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department and Portland Police Bureau, arrested two people believed to be involved in more than 10 bank robberies in Washington and Oregon.
Detectives arrested Andrew Bekman (31) and Amira Askew (28) for First-Degree Robbery. Investigators believe Bekman and Askew robbed the Umpqua Bank in Salmon Creek on Nov. 6 and suspect their involvement in other bank robberies in the Vancouver/Portland metro area dating back to June of 2024.
At the scene of the search warrant executed on Wednesday, detectives seized clothing matching those worn during multiple robberies, as well as firearms, ballistic vests, and stolen vehicles. Detectives also recovered a note with the words, “This is a robbery. I have a gun. Empty your till.”
Background on the Umpqua Bank robbery
On Nov. 6, deputies responded to a robbery at the Umpqua Bank in Salmon Creek just before 5 p.m. A teller reported that a male and female wearing masks had just robbed them. The male implied he had a gun, and the suspects left the bank with an unknown amount of cash.
Patrol deputies, detectives, and the CCSO Tactical Detective Unit (TDU) worked together to collect video and other evidence from the scene. CCSO then asked for the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects. A tip from a member of the public helped identify both suspects and led TDU to their house in Battle Ground. Following their arrests, Bekman and Askew confessed to the Umpqua Bank robbery, along with several others.
CCSO would like to thank the public for providing crucial information that led to the apprehension of these suspects. We would also like to thank the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team, the Vancouver Police Department, and the Portland Police Bureau for their partnership and assistance.
Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Judge rejects lawsuit against rewrite of WA parental rights law
Thurston County Superior Court Judge John Skinder upheld House Bill 1296, a contested 2025 parental rights law expected to face appeal. - Future 42 releases 2026 Clark County Legislative Scorecard
Future 42’s 2026 scorecard grades Clark County’s 17th, 18th, 20th, and 49th District legislators on 12–15 key votes. - Letter: Climate Commitment Act critique rests on fossil-funded denial
Anthony Teso argues CCA repeal would transfer savings to Chevron and BP, not working families. - Letter: Why Petition IP26-645 is a stand for the people, not a political party
IP26-645 needs 400,000 signatures by July 2 to repeal Washington’s new income-based tax. - Opinion: An important reason to keep the I-5 freeway system toll-free
Sharon Nasset argues fuel tax sends 100% to transportation, while tolling sends only 60% of net funds. - Letter: Camas Voters – Keep your strong mayor
Gary Perman argues Camas insiders behind the government shift review helped craft a bond voters rejected by nearly 90%. - Mount St. Helens 46 Years Later: Scenic Stops, History and Recovery Across the Blast Zone
Coldwater Lake didn’t exist before 1980 — the eruption’s mudflows created it, and it’s now open for swimming and boating.
