A bank robber absconded with an undisclosed amount of cash after claiming he had the ability to detonate a bomb in his briefcase, the Turlock Police Department reported.

The briefcase was left at the bank and after four and a half hours it was “determined the briefcase did not contain an explosive device,” said Turlock Police Sgt. Paul Inderbitzen.

The suspect remains at large.

The robbery was reported at 1:38 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the US Bank at 427 E. Olive Ave.

A caller told the Turlock Police Dispatch that a man entered the bank with a briefcase and told a bank employee that there was an explosive device inside the briefcase and that he would detonate it if he was not given cash.

The suspect’s demand was met and he left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. He also left the briefcase behind.

“Due to the potential of an explosive device in the building, the bank and surrounding area was evacuated,” Inderbitzen said. “The Stanislaus County Bomb Squad was requested and responded to the scene to investigate the device.”

The suspect had fled in a vehicle.

Around 6 p.m. the scene was cleared by the bomb squad and turned over to Turlock Police detectives.

No injuries were reported as a result of this event. 

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information call Detective Matthew Ulrich at (209) 668-6570.  You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.