Irvine Bank Robber Fires Shot in Air, Escapes With $16,000 Cash
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IRVINE — A robber stormed into an Irvine bank Friday, fired a single shot in the air and escaped with about $16,000 in cash.
No one was injured and witnesses said they believe the robber’s handgun was a starter’s pistol used at athletic events, Sgt. Steve Frew said. Police also could not find any bullet fragments at the scene, Frew added.
The robbery occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when the man burst into the Great Western Bank at the intersection of Walnut and Jeffrey Road.
Frew said the robber announced the holdup, fired a shot in the air and then took cash from all the teller stations.
No getaway vehicle was seen and the robber was last seen running northbound from the building. Frew said the man wore a white shirt, beige pants and a blue and white baseball cap.
Witnesses described him as Caucasian, thin and about 30 years old, Frew said. He did not wear a mask.
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