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Highlands Today

Police Still Searching For Bank Robber

Courtesy of Sebring Police Department

Surveillance footage from the downtown Highlands Independent Bank show the suspect entering the bank on Dec. 30, 2008, the day he went in to see about opening an account. The branch was robbed Friday evening, Jan. 2.

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By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: January 6, 2009

SEBRING - Police are still searching for a black man who held up a bank on Friday afternoon.

Sgt. Greg Barlaug said a teller at the downtown branch of Highlands Independent Bank was approached by tall man wearing black clothing, a cap, bandana, sunglasses and gloves. He held a leather or canvas bag.

The bandit said there was an explosive device in the bank and demanded money, Barlaug said. He took cash - although the police aren't disclosing how much - and fled on foot across Center and Franklin streets.

The 911 center dispatched police at 5:44 p.m. A perimeter was set up. Highlands County deputies and a K-9 unit assisted in the search, but lost the trail a block later, around Pomegranate, Barlaug said.

"It's unknown whether he got in a vehicle, or what," Barlaug said Saturday. "But he was not located."

Those with information about the robbery or the suspect can call Sebring Police Sgt. Curtis Hart at 471-5107.

Highlands Today reporter Gary Pinnell can be reached at gpinnell@highlandstoday.com or 863-386-5828

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