Bank Robbery Suspect at Large
By EMILY SCOTT For the News-RegisterArticle Photos
Following the robbery of a New Cumberland bank Tuesday afternoon, a search for the perpetrator continues.
Hancock County Sheriff Mike White said that his office received notice that the New Cumberland branch of Hancock County Savings Bank's hold-up alarm was set off at 12:10 p.m. Units responded immediately to the Ridge Avenue bank, but the robber already had fled the scene.
White said bank employees described the suspect as 5 foot 3 inches tall and wearing all black clothes. Although he was masked, he is also believed to be a white male. A surveillance video of the robbery also was obtained, which White said was reviewed by himself and the FBI.
According to bank employees, the robber vaulted over the tellers' counter and brandished a firearm, then demanded money and produced a bag in which the money was then placed.
The bank employees "kept their composure and did a nice job of meeting his demands," said White, adding that they followed the bank's protocol by immediately contacting 911, writing down descriptions of the robber, and securing the bank until officers arrived. There were no customers inside at the time of the robbery, in which the suspect made off with an undetermined amount of money.
While no one was injured in the robbery, White said the bank employees "were pretty shaken. They were intimidated and felt threatened."
The robber exited out the bank's back door and fled east in the direction of Third Avenue. "We believe he's probably left the area and gone into the woods," White said shortly after the robbery. Area residents were advised to stay in their homes, as the robber still reportedly had a handgun.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Todd Murray said that a perimeter was established around the area of Third Avenue, with 19 officers from the sheriff's office, West Virginia State Police, and Chester, New Cumberland and Weirton police departments moving in all directions to locate the suspect. In addition to officers on foot, officers on all-terrain vehicles were deployed, as well as two of Hancock County's K-9s. A state police helicopter also was brought in to assist with the search.
Murray said that witnesses saw the suspect going directly into the woods, adding there was the possibility he was riding an ATV.
The helicopter was called off Tuesday evening, but Murray said extra patrols would be conducted in the area by the sheriff's office, as well the New Cumberland Police Department, "to put everyone's minds at ease."
Murray added that it was unlikely the suspect would return to the area. "I think he had a plan. That's why he ran into the woods," he said.
Murray said that the New Cumberland Police Department and Detective Art Watson will be coordinating with the FBI in the ongoing investigation and that they would continue to follow all leads.
Anyone with information about the robbery can contact the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at 304-387-4100.
|
Veckthorn
|
|
|---|---|
|
08-14-08 10:13 PM
|
Hello Brad. I know it was you and your brother :) Thank your big mouthed wife. Every man has his price. I think you'll find a trade is in order. A cut of the cash for my silence. Check back here on 08/28 for the details on my price and the drop site.
|
|
Georgetwin
|
|
|
08-14-08 10:59 AM
|
5'3"?!?!?! No wonder he went into the woods. He probably lives in a hollow tree and bakes cookies.
|
|
Katabatic
|
|
|
08-13-08 12:50 PM
|
JOE ROXBY FOR MAGISTRATE !!!
|