Photos released in bomb-threat bank robbery

PUYALLUP, Wash. — Police released photos Friday of a man who said he had a bomb during the robbery of a Puyallup bank.

The robbery occurred on Dec. 21 at about 5:10 p.m. at the Heritage Bank in the 4600 block of South Meridian Street.

Police said the robber rushed into the bank and yelled that he wanted $10,000 and had a bomb.

The man produced a device from a backpack that appeared to be a remote control for a toy car and continued to make threats as he approached the teller.

Once he had the money, he threw the remote at the teller, dropped his backpack near a kiosk in the bank and was witnessed getting on a mountain bike and fleeing south.

Police said the remote had a note on it that said there was no real bomb and the backpack did not contain any explosive devices.

The robber was described as a white, 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall with a heavy build. He wore black gloves, a black knit ski mask and a black coat.

Anyone who recognizes the robber or has any information about the robbery is asked to call the Puyallup Police Department Tip Line at 253-770-3343.

KIRO