Sterling Heights

Police seek bank robbery suspect chased by witness

» click to enlarge « Police are looking for this bank robbery suspect. Police are looking for this bank robbery suspect.

Sterling Heights police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed a Chase Bank branch Oct. 1 and was pursued by a witness before escaping in an SUV.

According to police, the suspect entered the branch in the 33000 block of Schoenherr, near 14 Mile, and approached the teller line, passing a note to an employee that read, “Give me all your money — 20s, 10s, 5s — I know where you work.”

The suspect reclaimed the note before placing a black-and-gray backpack on the counter, into which the teller deposited more than $1,000. The man then fled on foot as the teller activated the alarm, but a witness chased the man over two walls and into an apartment complex north of the bank. The suspect managed to get away by entering a dark-green SUV — described as a smaller, older model — and fleeing the area.

The suspect is described as a white man in his early 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build and light complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray pullover, white hat, white tennis shoes and blue jeans, and carrying the backpack.

Police have released surveillance camera images in hopes that someone might be able to identify the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call (586) 446-2800.