PORT ANGELES — The FBI has joined the search for an armed man who robbed the Umpqua Bank in Port Angeles on Tuesday.
Port Angeles police Wednesday were working jointly with federal investigators — usual procedure after a bank robbery — in search of a gray-haired man who brandished a handgun, demanded money from a teller and fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash, Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said.
“It’s an open, active investigation,” Smith said.
The robber is described as possibly in his 60s. He was wearing glasses, a dark-hooded jacket, light-colored pants and brown shoes when he entered the branch at 1033 E. First St. at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The bank was occupied by two customers and the usual complement of staff when the robbery occurred, Smith said.
Police arrived within minutes and established a containment zone but could not locate the robber.
“Where he went is still undetermined,” Smith said.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Elwha police, Coast Guard and Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team assisted in the search.
Olympic Medical Center on Caroline Street had a brief lockdown as police searched the neighborhood Tuesday.
Investigators Wednesday were examining video surveillance footage from the bank and other sources as well as physical evidence and considering possible connections to other crimes along the Interstate 5 corridor.
“We have a lot of tools in our toolbox,” said Smith, who declined further comment on the investigation.
Anyone with information about the robber or his whereabouts is asked to phone the Police Department at 360-452-4545.
Information also can be left anonymously through CrimeNet on the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office website at www.clallam.net/sheriff.
Click on “Anonymous Tips” in the “Quick Links” box.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
