ATLANTA — Black Panther director Ryan Coogler was mistaken for a bank robber at a metro Atlanta Bank of America and detained, police reports show.
The incident unfolded on Jan. 7, 2022 at the Bank of America at 1280 West Paces Ferry Road, when police responded to reports of a man trying to rob the bank.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
According to an Atlanta Police Department report, a Bank of America employee called police after Coogler passed him a filled-out withdrawal slip with a note written on the back asking tellers to be discreet with the transaction.
When officers arrived on scene, Coogler was still inside the bank. Officers brought him outside and handcuffed him as they investigated.
TRENDING STORIES:
Officers determined that Coogler was attempting to withdraw a cash amount valued over $10,000 dollars. The bank teller received a notification from Coogler’s account and told her manager that he was trying to rob the bank.
Officers determined that the incident was a mistake by Bank of America and Coogler was released. Two people who Coogler was with were also detained and released, but never handcuffed.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Bank of America apologized to Coogler and he was allowed to go on his way.
Bank of America issued a statement confirming the incident, writing:
“We deeply regret that this incident occurred. It never should have happened and we have apologized to Mr. Coogler”
Channel 2 Action News received a statement from Coogler’s public relations team:
“This situation should never have happened. However, Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction and we have moved on,” said Coogler.
Coogler directed the original Black Panther, which was the highest-grossing film of all time by a Black director. He has been in Atlanta directing the Black Panther sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
IN OTHER NEWS
©2022 Cox Media Group