Local authorities place a suspect in a Monday morning bank robbery into a patrol car along Interstate 5 in Chehalis.
A bike that local authorities say was used as a get-away vehicle by a suspected Chehalis bank robber is seen on Monday morning along West Street.
A man accused of robbing Chase Bank in Chehalis Monday morning is in custody.
Chehalis police have not yet released the name of the suspect and were conducting interviews and investigating the case as of 2 p.m. Monday.
Chehalis police spokesperson Linda Bailey said while it was indicated the man was armed at the time of the robbery, no weapon has been found.
“It’s still really early in all of this to have for sure all the details,” Bailey told The Chronicle. “They’re still investigating, interviewing, collecting information — that type of thing.”
Authorities were notified of the robbery at about 10:45 a.m. and were informed the suspect was no longer at the bank in the 600 block of of South Market Boulevard.
At about 11:30 a.m., a Lewis County Deputy apprehended the suspect while he was trying to scale a fence near the West Street overpass, according to a Chehalis Police Department press release.
A man matching the robber’s description was seen on a bicycle. When Lewis County deputy made contact, the man crashed his bike, scaled a fence and then tried to scale another fence, but was caught by the deputy. The suspect was injured when he crashed, but did not require hospitalization.
Chehalis and Centralia officers and deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search for the man following the robbery report. A Centralia police K-9 was deployed to help track the suspect.
Authorities interviewed witnesses and victims inside the bank. A weapon was implied, but not shown during the robbery, and the suspect left the bank with an unknown amount of cash.
Clothes were found near the bank, so it is believed the suspect was trying to change his appearance.
Chehalis police believe the suspect acted alone.
No officers or anyone at the bank was injured during the incident.
R.E. Bennett and Cascade elementary schools went into lockdown. St. Joseph Catholic School was on alert, so no one was allowed outside.
See updates as they happened below:
1:15 p.m.
Authorities are investigating the bank robbery that occurred at about 10:45 a.m. today at Chase Bank in the 600 block of South Market Boulevard in Chehalis.
When Chehalis police were notified, the suspect was reportedly no longer at the bank and was described as possibly armed.
A Lewis County deputy apprehended a suspect while he was trying to scale a fence near the West Street overpass, according to a Chehalis Police Department press release.
The deputy first saw a man matching the robber’s description on a bicycle. When the deputy made contact, the man fled and scaled a fence and then tried to scale another fence, but was caught by the deputy.
Chehalis and Centralia officers and deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search for the man following the robbery report.
Authorities interviewed witnesses and victims inside the bank. A weapon was implied, but not shown during the robbery, and the suspect left the bank with an unknown amount of cash.
Clothes were found near the bank, so it is believed the suspect was trying to change his appearance.
Chehalis police believe the suspect acted alone.
11:55 a.m.
Lewis County 911 Communications has confirmed authorities have a suspect in custody, but could not release more details. The Chronicle is seeking further information from the Chehalis Police Department.
Cascade and R.E. Bennett elementary schools are no longer in lockdown and St. Joseph Catholic school is no longer on alert.
11:45 a.m.
Suspect is in custody and is being treated for injuries sustained during his apparent escape attempt. He was riding a bicycle and crashed while bring pursued, according to witnesses.
11:32 a.m.
One person is in custody. We'll post more details as they become available.
11:30 a.m.
A pursuit has been initiated on Interstate 5 near West Street.
11:15 a.m.
Chehalis schools have been put on alert while law enforcement officials search for a potentially armed man in the area.
R.E. Bennett and Cascade elementary schools are in lockdown. St. Joseph Catholic School is on alert, so no one is allowed outside.
Chehalis police spokesperson Linda Bailey said a man reportedly robbed or attempted to rob Chase Bank in the 600 block of South Market Boulevard just after 11 a.m. today.
At this time, no roads have been blocked, but Bailey advises people avoid the area.
Clothing was found behind Rite Aid, according to police radio traffic.
A witness said it’s possible the suspect was wearing multiple layers of clothing and carrying a bag with flower print on it.
More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
