Bank Robbery Suspect Tells Employees He Has a Bomb

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A BB&T bank on Arlington Boulevard was robbed Wednesday afternoon, Fairfax County Police announced Thursday.

Officers responded to a hold-up alarm at the BB&T Bank, 8416 Arlington Blvd., Wednesday shortly before 4 p.m. The initial investigation revealed that a man entered the bank, approached a teller and handed him a note announcing a robbery, police said.

The suspect then placed a backpack on the counter and told the teller that it contained an explosive device, according to police. The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and the suspect fled on foot; leaving behind the backpack, police said. Bank employees took it upon themselves to evacuate the bank and nobody was injured.

The suspect was described as a white man, in his 50s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a skinny build. He was wearing a flannel shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, green pants a white hat and sunglasses.

The police helicopter (Fairfax 1) and a K9 team responded to search the area. The Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD, commonly referred to as the “Bomb Squad”), responded to the bank, examined the backpack and determined that it did not contain any explosive material.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division and from the Crime Scene Section responded and assumed the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call FairfaxCounty Police at 703-691-2131.

**Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & data rates may apply. Go to crimesolvers.net for Terms & Conditions.

PHOTO via Shutterstock

Bank at 8416 Arlington Blvd. was robbed Wednesday afternoon (Google map):