Hickory police investigate bank robbery

Hickory Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred at a Wells Fargo in Hickory on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Hickory Officers responded to Wells Fargo, 1811 12th Avenue NE in Hickory, at 3:10 p.m. to reports of a robbery. The suspect left the scene prior to officer arrival. Officers immediately began searching the nearby area to locate the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after 4:40 p.m. around the 1900 block of 16th Street NE. 

The suspect was identified as Joel Viera, 50, of Hickory. He was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and held at Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond. 

No injuries were reported related to this incident. 

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and NC State Highway Patrol also responded to this incident and assisted in locating Viera. 

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.