Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Cerritos Comerica Bank Robber's Hands and Clothing Likely Stained With Red Dye

Authorities say a dye pack in the money the suspect stole exploded in the bank's parking lot, likely staining his hands and clothing with bright red dye; the search for the suspect continues.

A search is underway today for a man who robbed the  located near , but likely ended up with his hands and clothing stained in red after a dye pack in the money he stole exploded in the bank's parking lot.

The robbery at the business located at 11355 South St. was reported at 3:39 p.m. Wednesday, according to the .  

Upon entering the location, the suspect -- a black man who was wearing dark clothing -- approached a bank teller and handed her a demand note, Sgt. Rick Vargas told Patch. He was not armed with a weapon.

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After receiving cash from the teller, the suspect ran outside and a few seconds later, a dye pack in the money exploded, prompting him to drop the cash on the ground alongside a bush in the parking lot, Vargas said. 

He is believed to have then fled on foot headed westbound on South Street, Vargas said, adding that his hands and clothing are likely marked with bright red dye. 

Find out what's happening in Cerritos-Artesiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The bank was closed immediately after the hold-up and sheriff's deputies conducted a search for the suspect in the area for roughly 45 minutes, but he was not located.

Detectives from the FBI and Cerritos Sheriff's Station are handling the investigation, the sergeant added.  

The bank is expected to re-open during normal business hours on Thursday. 

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