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UPDATED: Banks Robbed In Friendsville & Grantsville

December 13th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

2:00 PM UPDATE:

Maryland and Pennsylvania State Police are actively searching for a suspect believed to have been involved in two armed bank robberies this morning in Garrett County.

The suspect is identified as a white male, who was wearing a dark colored jacket over a hooded sweatshirt, a dark hat and dark framed glasses.  The suspect is believed to have been operating a blue Kia Forte. 

Shortly before 10 a.m. today, troopers from the McHenry Barrack responded to an armed robbery call from the First United Bank, in the 800-block of First Avenue, in Friendsville, Md.  Responding troopers obtained a description of the suspect and initiated a search. 

About one hour later, troopers responded to a call for an armed robbery at the M&T Bank, in the 100-block of Main St., in Grantsville, Md.  Interviews with victims and photos from both banks indicate the same suspect was involved.

Witnesses told troopers the suspect entered the banks and presented employees with a note that indicated he had a gun.  No weapon was observed and no one was injured.  

A lookout for the suspect and vehicle was broadcast to law enforcement agencies in the region.  A short time later, Pennsylvania State Police in Somerset County spotted a vehicle matching the description and attempted to stop it.  The driver refused to stop and has apparently bailed out of the car in Somerset County.  Pennsylvania State Police are actively searching for him, with assistance from Maryland state troopers and K-9 units. 

The investigation is continuing.

INITIAL REPORT:

Maryland State Police in McHenry have confirmed to WCBC News that First United Bank, in Friendsville, and M & T Bank, in Grantsville, were robbed this morning.

The robbery in Friendsville is believed to have occurred late in the 9 AM hour, while the Grantsville bank was hit during the 10 AM hour.

WCBC News talked with Jim Morris, public affairs officer with Garrett County Public Schools, who indicated there had been a lock down or lock in situation reported at Grantsville Elementary.

Unconfirmed social media sources indicate that police radio indicated as many as three people were involved and a suspect vehicle may be a Blue Kia.  

Local police are said to be monitoring Interstate 68, US 40, and Maryland Route 36.

One Response to “UPDATED: Banks Robbed In Friendsville & Grantsville”

  1. December 13, 2018 at 2:11 pm, Bob said:

    Even the criminals elsewhere are of a better class than ours.

    Reply

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