Bank Robbery Suspect Fires Shot, Escapes on Foot
Foothill Ranch, CA • October 17th, 2024
On October 17th at approximately 12:03 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Chase Bank, located at the intersection of Bake Parkway and Portola, following reports of an armed robbery in progress. Upon receiving the 911 call, law enforcement was immediately mobilized to the scene, where an unidentified male suspect had already entered the bank. Investigators say the man got away with nearly $20,000.
According to eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage, the suspect, described as a male wearing a bucket hat, black face mask, yellow sweatshirt, and tan pants, walked into the bank and approached one of the tellers. The suspect brandished a handgun, creating an atmosphere of panic among bank employees and customers. In a threatening manner, he fired a single round from his weapon toward the teller. Fortunately, the bullet struck the floor near the teller's feet, and no one was harmed in the incident.
Once the shot was fired, the suspect demanded cash from the teller. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading eastbound along Portola. There are no reports of the suspect using a vehicle during his escape, and his exact whereabouts remain unknown at this time.
Upon receiving the call, deputies arrived quickly and secured the area. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has since launched a full-scale investigation, enlisting the assistance of local detectives and federal agents. The FBI is collaborating with the Sheriff's Department to gather evidence, analyze surveillance footage, and explore any potential leads that could help identify and locate the suspect. Multiple units are canvassing the surrounding area, interviewing potential witnesses, and reviewing any relevant video surveillance from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
Law enforcement officials have stated that, based on the immediate response and their comprehensive search efforts, they are confident the suspect is no longer in the immediate area. However, they urge residents and businesses in the vicinity to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
"We are utilizing all available resources, including our partnership with the FBI, to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure the safety of the community," said a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. "At this point, we believe the suspect has left the area, but we are asking the public to remain aware and report any information that could assist in our investigation."
As of now, no injuries have been reported, and the bank remains closed while detectives continue to process the scene for evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Sheriff's Department is encouraging anyone with information about the robbery, the suspect, or any other relevant details to come forward. If you have any tips, you are urged to call 911 immediately or contact the department's non-emergency line at 714-647-7000. Callers can remain anonymous if they wish, and any details, no matter how small, may prove critical in helping authorities apprehend the suspect and bring this case to a swift resolution.
Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation develops.
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