Teller Thwarts East Bay Bank Robber

ALAMEDA, CA — A would-be bank robber was thwarted by a quick-thinking teller during an Alameda bank robbery, police announced Thursday.

A suspect in the botched robbery is in custody, according to the Alameda Police Department.

Shortly after 12 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a bank robbery attempt at the 500 block of Willie Stargell Avenue in Alameda. An individual had passed a threatening note to one of the bank's tellers, demanding money, police said. When bank staff did not fulfill the demand, the individual left the bank, police reported.

According to the Alameda Police Department, bank staff "quickly secured the business and helped gather video footage to assist with the investigation." A description of the person who attempted the robbery was soon shared with all on-duty patrol units, police reported.

Minutes later, officers located and arrested the person near Webster Street, Alameda police confirmed.

"We appreciate the bank’s staff for their quick actions to protect employees and customers," officers stated. "Their immediate call to APD played a significant role in bringing a swift resolution to this incident."

The case has been referred to Alameda PD’s Investigations Unit "for further follow-up," police said.