Pleasanton Police Searching For Armed Bank Robbery Suspects
PLEASANTON (KPIX 5) -- Police are searching for a group of armed men suspected of robbing a Wells Fargo Bank in Pleasanton and firing on a police officer Friday morning.
The robbery was reported around 10:41 a.m. at 4967 Hopyard Road.
"Three to four suspect entered the bank. They wore masks. They were armed. It was a takeover style robbery," said Pleasanton Police Capt. Larry Cox.
Cox says one of the first officers to arrive on the scene spotted what he believed to be the likely getaway car. Moments later, the officer was under fire.
"The back window of the GMC Yukon exploded in gunfire," Cox said, describing the getaway car. "Multiple rounds struck the hood of the patrol car and the windshield."
Police said the damaged patrol car limped a few blocks before sputtering to a stop, apparently allowing the suspects to get away. However, the suspects crashed moments later and ditched their vehicle.
"They jumped out of the vehicle and the carjacked the CRV. They pulled the driver of the CRV out at gunpoint, stole that vehicle and fled in an unknown direction," Capt. Cox said.
An area check was conducted for the suspect vehicle with the assistance of air support from East Bay Regional Park Police. The suspects are still outstanding.
The injured officer was transported to the hospital where he received treatment for a non-life threatening injury and was released. There were no other injuries related to the incident.
For a time, police were investigating multiple crimes at multiple locations. Area residents suddenly found themselves inside an active crime scene.
"That's worrisome. We didn't know something was going on until we heard the helicopters," said neighbor December Lotz.
Even more worrisome Lotz said was that the suspects were still running free, dangerous and desperate enough to do just about anything to get away.
"I'm glad all my kids are home with my husband," said Lotz.
The injured officer was transported to the hospital where he received treatment for a non-life threatening injury and was released. There were no other injuries related to the incident.
The suspects are described as three to four males wearing dark masks and all dark clothing. This is the only description we have of the suspects. They are considered armed and dangerous.
A number of intersections in the area have been shut down while police investigate. Anyone with information about the suspects or their whereabouts is asked to call police at (925) 931-5100.
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