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Bank Robbery

Police Agencies Investigate Friday Afternoon Incident

By William Mohan 2 min read

LAKEWOOD-Lakewood-Busti Police, the Chautauqua County Sherrif's Department, the FBI, and the New York State Police are investigating a robbery that took place at the Five Star Bank at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday.

During that time, police said that a masked gunman walked into the bank at Fairmount Avenue and Mall Boulevard. He then walked over to the counter and allegedly displayed a firearm. Police said the suspect stated he had a bomb strapped to his body, and that upon receiving the cash the suspect exited the bank and drove south on Mall Boulevard toward Hunt Road.

Chautauqua County Sherriff Jim Quattrone said that no injuries were reported.

"At this point there is an undetermined amount of cash that has been taken. We're working on that and we are presently taking statements from all the individuals who were working at the bank, that were involved in the robbery," Lakewood-Busti Chief of Police, John Bentley said.

Bentley said the alleged suspicious vehicle was observed and a photo was taken by a witness outside the bank.

"We have a suspect vehicle where we had an eye witness see the vehicle, thought it looked suspicious, (and) took a picture of it," Bentley said.

Bentley also said the weapon the suspect displayed a black semi-automatic pistol.

According to Bentley, the suspect claimed he was armed with an explosive by lifting his coat.

"He showed what appeared to be a bomb," Bentley said.

The Lakewood-Busti Police have sent the information to neighboring police departments.

"We have put the information out to all the local police agencies and to the Pennsylvania State Police and the Warren County Sherrif's Department," Bentley said. "We are following up on whatever leads we can follow up on."

Police say the suspect is a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, and wearing a mask. In addition, police said the alleged vehicle is a two-tone maroon and tan, late model, possibly late 1990s, early 2000s Ford F150 pickup truck. The truck also has a white bumper sticker with black lettering that reads "Beware of the Dog," on the rear right passenger window, and has a trailer hitch attatched to the truck.

Bentely said more details will be released as they become available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lakewood Busti Police at 763-9563.

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