TEMPLE HILLS, Md. - Prince George's County Police believe that a county police officer provided the tools and transportation in a Temple Hills bank burglary.

Officers were called to the SunTrust Bank in the 4600 block of Old Branch Avenue around 3:40 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a man inside the bank.

A suspect was found and arrested and police say their investigation led to burglary charges against Cpl. Eddie Smith Jr. The 16-year veteran of the force assigned to the bureau of patrol has been suspended without pay.

Meanwhile, at the Temple Hills Sun Trust bank where the burglary occurred, the allegation that a police officer is behind the scheme hit customers like a ton of bricks.

"The world's coming to an end. That's it. If they doing it, my God," said Herb Batts, a bank customer.

"It's a sign of the times...who you can trust?" said Ercelle Lewis, a bank customer.

According to official statements and information from sources, detectives believe Smith used his patrol car to drive an accomplice to the bank late Wednesday night. They also believe Smith provided the power tools used to break into a safe.

It's alleged they cut power and alarm lines to the bank, and when the alarm sounded, Smith pretended to respond and declared an 'all clear' to police dispatch. Its is also alleged that hours later he stood watch as his cohort attempted to break into the ATM inside the bank .

The pair was caught only because a passing fire truck reported a suspicious scene. As a result, the 16-year veteran cop was arrested and charged.

"It's something that's disheartening to us; one bad cop tarnishes the badge we all wear," said Police Spokesman Maj. Andy Ellis.

At Smith's large home in Fort Washington, a newer model Mercedes and a full size pickup sit in the driveway. The back of the home houses a custom built three car garage.

Sources tell ABC 7 that Smith is now a prime suspect in many similar burglaries going back several years, and that he's been under suspicion for some time now. But his neighbors say they never had a clue.

"It never dawned on me something like that could be going on...he's not that type of person. He was a very good person," said Wanda

Police Chief Roberto Hylton says he's disheartened by the charges and will not tolerate wrongdoing by any member of the agency.

Officials say an internal investigation will be conducted by the department's Special Investigative Response Team.

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