A man armed with a pen and paper robbed the Best Bank last week in the first bank robbery of the year in Newton County.

The suspect reportedly entered the Best Bank inside the Kroger located on Ga. Highway 20 just after 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday and approached the counter like any other customer, said NCSO Lt. Bill Watterson.

 "The teller gave the man a deposit slip and when he turned the deposit slip back into the teller, he had written a note stating that he had a gun and that she should put the money in the bag," Watterson said.

The suspect, who was described as a black man, wearing a black hat and black jacket, reportedly fled on foot after receiving an undisclosed amount of money from the teller.

 Watterson said the teller never actually saw the suspect with a gun, but she acted in accordance with bank employee training.

"They are trained to remain calm and do what the robber demands," Watterson said.

The investigators are currently reviewing security camera footage from the robbery and Watterson said they hope the video leads to the suspect's identity.

Watterson said the bank robbery was the first in more than a year in Newton County.

Anyone with further information regarding case is asked to call the Newton County Sheriff's Office at (678) 625-1403. Tips may also be given anonymously at (678) 625-5007 or on their Web site www.newtonsheriffga.org.