Violent Bank Robbery Suspects in Salem Sought by FBI and Police

Both men had guns and they assaulted two women during the robbery.

Photos of suspects: FBI

(SALEM, Ore.) - FBI Agents and Salem Police Officers are looking for the public's assistance in identifying two men who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 3245 Market Street NE in Salem at about 12:30 p.m. today.

Wells Fargo is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

They say the men walked into the bank, both brandishing handguns, and ordered everyone to the ground. As Suspect #1 jumped over the teller counter, Suspect #2 pulled an employee away from her desk, hitting her in the stomach and throwing her to the ground. That employee was transported to Salem Hospital for evaluation. No further information about her condition is available. Suspect #2 also threw an elderly woman to the ground, but she did not medical attention.

During the course of the robbery, witnesses say both suspects pointed their guns directly at people in the bank. Witnesses say Suspect #1 repeatedly said he would shoot people if they did not respond quickly enough to him. After receiving a sum of cash, the men were seen leaving the bank in an older Chevy Blazer.

Witnesses describe the first suspect as a black male, standing between 5'8-5'9". He was wearing a Blue hooded sweatshirt (with the hood over his head), blue jeans, bright white tennis shoes, and a blue bandanna with white print on it over his face. He also reportedly carrying a dark colored backpack,

The second suspect is described as a black male in his late 20's to early 30's. He is between 5'10-6'0" tall, and weighs approximately 180 pounds, with a slender build. This suspect was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, with bright white tennis shoes, and a blue bandanna with white print over his face.

The FBI says the men were driving a Chevy S-10 Blazer 2-door that was probably made between the late 80's and early 90's. The SUB is black with one larger gray stripe running down the side and with two smaller red pin-striped lines on either side of the gray. The car reportedly did not have license plates.

Beth Anne Steele with the FBI, says there were ten Wells Fargo employees, one contract employee and four customers in the bank at the time of the robbery.

"Agents are investigating whether this robbery may be connected to any others in the region, but as of yet, they have not made any definitive links," she added.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the Salem Police Department at (503) 588-6050 ext. 7132, the FBI in Salem at (503) 362-6601 during normal business hours or the FBI in Portland at (503) 224-4181 twenty four hours a day.