Chase Bank in Vancouver robbed Updated Photo Added

The suspicious device the suspect left behind had the appearance of an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Actual determination of it's authenticity will be determined by MEDU.

Salem-News.com

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Vancouver Police were dispatched to the Chase Bank in Cascade Park (13215 SE Mill Plain) at 11:52 am Saturday morning October 2, 2010. The suspect entered the bank carrying a pink bag and presented a demand note, indicating he was heavily armed, had a bomb and wanted cash. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash and he fled the bank. As he exited the bank, he left the pink bag in the entryway, then fled on foot in a SW direction. Witnesses said the suspect was last seen running west from 131st Ave and SE 5th Street. A K9 track was unsuccessful.

Because the suspect threatened he had an explosive device, and the suspicious nature of the device left behind, the bank and nearby parking lot were evacuated and sealed off. The Metro Explosives Disposal Unit (MEDU) responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. FBI also responded to the scene and will be conducting the follow-up investigation.

Witnesses described the suspect as an Hispanic-looking male in his 20s, average height and weight. He was described as having dark hair, although one witness suggested the suspect may have been wearing a wig. Two witnesses observed the suspect arrive on foot in the area carrying the pink bag, and then a few minutes later running back in the direction he came from without the bag. Surveillance photos show the suspect wearing loose fitting blue jeans and a dark colored windbreaker-type jacket with 3 white stripes down the sleeves.

Additional witness interviews, along with bank surveillance photos, have described the suspect as being light skinned black male or more likely Filipino.

If anyone has any information on the identity and/or location of the suspect in today's robbery, they are encouraged to contact the Vancouver Police Department or the local FBI office.