SIEA Linewoman Foils Bank Robbery in Progress

Laura Miller
San Isabel Electric Association

Being the only journeyman linewoman on Colorado’s 2009 Lineman Calendar is noteworthy enough. But one has to wonder if there is anything Miss March can’t do. Laura Miller, an attractive, petite line worker for San Isabel Electric Association can now add “crime fighter” to her resume.

On the morning of November 7, Miller pulled up to the Wells Fargo Bank in Canon City, Colorado, where she saw a masked man coming out of the bank. She followed him on foot until she was able to get his license plate number and make and model of his vehicle. At that time, he got into his vehicle and left the scene. Miller returned to her vehicle, called 911 and reported what she had observed. Then, while continuing to communicate with the police dispatch, she got in her Ford Excursion and proceeded to follow the suspect, alerting police dispatch of his whereabouts while in route.

Due to Miller’s quick thinking and keen observation to detail, she was able to continue surveillance until the police were able to set up a blockade and apprehend the suspect. She was also able to identify the suspect in a lineup. From the time the robbery was reported to the time of apprehension a total of four minutes lapsed.

Laura was later awarded a certificate of commendation by the Canon City Police Department during their annual awards luncheon. According to Police Chief Dan Shull the would-be robber almost pulled off the perfect crime. “If not for the brave actions of Laura, I don’t know that we would have caught the suspect. Most of the time people don’t want to get involved. But that’s not the case here,” said Shull.

San Isabel Electric proudly calls Miller their “Super Line Woman” and has no intention of letting her get away to start a career in law enforcement anytime soon.