Update: Deputies continue to search for suspect in Fort Myers Beach bank robber
Deputies are continuing their search for a man suspected of holding up a Fort Myers Beach bank after entering the bank Tuesday morning with a package and implying it was a bomb.
Deputies responding to the reported bank robbery at the Wachovia Bank at 7128 Estero Boulevard at 9:12 a.m investigated the suspicious package left at the bank on Estero Boulevard, removing a small, handled package at the scene.
Investigators were told a man had entered the bank with the package, implied it was a bomb, and then left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was last seen headed north on foot.
The package was left in the bank.
Due to the nature of the incident, the Southwest Florida Regional Bomb Squad responded to the scene to secure the device. The device was X-rayed and the box was opened by a robot. The bomb squad was able to determine it was not an explosive device and the evidence was turned over to the Crime Scene Unit.
Meanwhile, a Bomb Squad robot crawled along the exterior of the building, which also was examined by Sheriff’s Office canines and fully-suited bomb techs.
Onlookers were moved farther and farther across Estero Boulevard and police tape was continually moved farther and farther away from the scene.
Meanwhile, nearby residents were instructed via intercom to stay “in their units” by sheriff’s deputies. Sources and witnesses said nearby residents within a mile radius of the site received a “CODE RED” call around 10:15 a.m. from the Lee Co. Sheriff’s Department, providing a suspect description, asking citizens to call law enforcement if they saw any individuals matching that description.
Authorities continued to arrive where, as of 10:55 a.m., at least 40 official units were on-scene.
The sheriff’s helicopter circled for more than an hour searching for the fleeing suspect.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 60s, clean-shaven with no noticeable accent, approximately 6-feet tall, blue eyes, tan jacket, dark pants, tan shirt, tan hat with a blue rim.
The FBI and Lee County Sheriff’s Office Robbery Detectives are currently working together to identify the suspect.
Anyone who can identify the suspect or knows of his location is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000, or to remain anonymous a nd be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 dollars, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made online atwww.SWFLCrimeStoppers.org.