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Schuylkill County Bank Robbery

WEST PENN TOWNSHIP — Authorities are investigating a bank robbery Friday in Schuylkill County. It happened around 10 a.m. at the Sovereign Bank at the int...

WEST PENN TOWNSHIP -- Authorities are investigating a bank robbery Friday in Schuylkill County.

It happened around 10 a.m. at the Sovereign Bank at the intersection of Routes 309 and 895.

West Penn Township police say security photos show the robber as he demanded cash from a teller and as he took off, riding what appears to be a Harley Davidson motorcycle, heading west on Route 895.

The police search was on for a robber on a bike, with no helmet.

"We appreciate any tip, unfortunately it's going to come down to making some stops and figure out who is who and see if they match our description," said West Penn Township Police Chief Brian Johnson.

As police searched for the robber, the bank was closed with police tape up, making some customers nervous.

"Now we're a little concerned because we have our safe deposit box in there with all the paper work, everything, birth certificates, the whole thing," said customer Nick Stolfi.

Police say the robber only got away with cash and never showed a weapon but some customers were nearby when it happened around 10 a.m.

"Oh man, it was happening then? I'm glad I didn't go there first and then go here."

"I just heard about it that it happened. I don't know, i don't know. It's just too close to home," said bank customer Debbie Arner.

Police believe the robber may have been casing out the bank from the plaza across the street, possibly even bumming a cigarette from a business owner there before heading to the bank, going inside and demanding the cash.

This is a bank surrounded by farm fields, but on this day, bank customers realized crime like this can happen anywhere.

"Between bank robberies and breaking in houses, it's a sign of the times.  A lot of people down on their luck, a lot of people don't want to work either," said bank customer Gary Whetstone.

If you have any information, call West Penn Township police at 570-386-1100.

Schuylkill County Bank Robbery

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