Published: October 29, 2008 09:33 am      

Officials seek bank robbery suspect

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

Willow Park Police responded to Compass Bank Tuesday morning after a teller hit the silent alarm.

A black male walked into the bank located at 5171 East Interstate 20 North Service Road around 10:15 a.m., handed her a note which stated, “Give me the money in the register,” then put the note in his pocket.

Police are not releasing how much money the man got away with.

Law enforcement officers from Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, Parker County Sheriff’s Office, Aledo ISD and Precinct 4 Constable’s Office joined in the search for the suspect, who was last seen on foot headed toward the Interstate wearing khaki pants, glasses or sunglasses, a light blue jacket with stripes on the sleeves and a white ball cap with an NFL logo on it. He was described as possibly in his 30s.

The man was not caught as of press time, but a still photo of him was taken from a bank security camera.

A press release stated no acts of violence were made and no weapon was displayed during the crime.

Willow Park Police Chief Brad Johnson called the FBI Task Force to assist in the case Tuesday afternoon.

A bank employee was reportedly on break in the parking lot and saw the man cross a section of hedges.

The teller did not recognize the suspect, but police said a suspicious vehicle was seen in front of the bank Monday. Employees did not report the vehicle until the day of the robbery.

Upon hearing the news, Aledo ISD immediately placed a lock-down order in effect for McCall and Coder elementaries, Aledo High School and the Learning Center as a precautionary measure. The order was lifted just before noon Tuesday.

“Willow Park Police declared the area clear, although the suspect was not apprehended,” said Anne Grace, secretary to Aledo ISD Superintendent Don Daniel. “We are back to normal school.”

Parents were notified of the incident by district officials.

Anyone with information about the crime or the location of the suspect is urged to call the Willow Park Police at (817) 441-9747 or the FBI Task Force at (817) 989-3330.