PORTSMOUTH — A man thought to be involved in several bank robberies in Lawrence and Scioto counties is behind bars in Portsmouth.

Clinton D. Walker, 43, of Portsmouth, was arrested Monday afternoon by Portsmouth police shortly after a hold up at the National City Bank in Sciotoville, according to Lawrence County Sheriff Tim Sexton.

“As soon as we were alerted to the robbery and arrest in Scioto County, a supervisor and detective with our agency went to Scioto County,” Sexton said. “We currently continue to gather all available information and evidence that occurred at Proctorville (City National Bank Nov. 8) and Chesapeake (Oak Hill Banks Nov. 25).

“We have every intention or pursuing criminal charges through a grand jury and I believe the Ironton Police Department will be looking at presenting evidence likely to connect this subject to a robbery at the U.S. bank at Jones Street in Ironton.”

Ironton police detective, Capt. Jim Carey, said Walker is a likely suspect in the city holdups.

“We’re definitely looking into that possibility,” he said.

Authorities in Scioto County recovered a mask, bag, handgun, a vehicle and other items that are believed to have been used in some of the robberies.

Walker is lodged in the Scioto County Jail.