Botched Bank Robbery Turns Into Hostage Situation

ANAHEIM, CA — A man suspected of robbing a bank in Anaheim and taking hostages Wednesday was arrested after barricading himself inside a room.

Officers responded to the robbery of the BMO branch at 4501 E. La Palma Ave., near Lakeview Avenue, at 4:40 p.m., The Orange County Register reported.

Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Jon McClintock told reporters the suspect allegedly kidnapped several employees, barricaded himself inside a room at the bank, and demanded money moments before allegedly stealing an unspecified amount of cash, according to The Register.

Several tactical negotiators and SWAT personnel rescued the hostages and arrested the suspect on suspicion of bank robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment, The Register reported, citing information from McClintock.

It was unclear what weapon was used during the robbery or if the suspect was actually armed.

City News Service