The Turlock Police Department is seeking the man responsible for a bank robbery and launching a bomb scare.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday the Westamerica Bank at 241 W. Main St. was robbed by a lone individual and prior to his departure he left a package at the bank that he claimed was a bomb, said Turlock Police Lt. Steven Williams.

The package was left on a bank teller’s counter. The Turlock Police Department evacuated the bank’s customers and employees as a precaution and contacted the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad.

Neighboring businesses were advised of the alleged explosive device, but no other evacuations were ordered, Williams said.

The bomb squad was able to determine the package was just a ploy and did not contain any explosives.

The suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male approximately 40 years to 45 years old. He is between 5 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 160 to 180 pounds.   He was last seen wearing a grey baseball cap, a light brown button-up overshirt or jacket and light-colored jeans. It is possible the suspect was wearing a disguise, Williams said.

The suspect was last seen running west behind the Cost Less Food market.

 An undisclosed amount of money was taken from the bank. No one was injured during the robbery or the bomb threat, Williams said.

Detectives are actively following up on all leads and anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Justin Williamson at 664-7331. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward. 

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.