Police seek 2 suspects in string of takeover-style bank robberies

Several police agencies in Pierce County want help identifying two suspects responsible for a string of armed takeover-style bank robberies.

Five banks in Tacoma, Puyallup and University Place were targeted in incidents dating back to last Monday, Dec. 21.

In the first three robberies, an unidentified suspect entered the bank, displayed a handgun and demanded cash from all the tellers, according to Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers.

In the fourth and fifth robberies, an additional armed suspect entered the bank and acted as a lookout at the doorway.

“Suspects are escalating their tactics to include robbing two banks across the street from each other within five minutes,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Ed Troyer said in an email, “then adding an armed accomplice at the doorway, and most recently jumping on the bank counter.”

Locations of the robberies:

▪ Umpqua Bank on South Pearl Street in Tacoma on Dec. 21 at 11:50 a.m.

▪ Columbia Bank on South 84th Street in Tacoma on Dec. 23 at 12:10 p.m.

▪ Key Bank on Pacific Avenue South in Tacoma on Dec. 23 at 12:15 p.m.

▪ Umpqua Bank on 35th Avenue Southeast in Puyallup on Monday at 12:10 p.m.

▪ Wells Fargo Bank on Bridgeport Way West. in University Place on Tuesday at 2:10 p.m.

The suspects are described as white males in their 20s, 5’6” and 5’10” tall, with slender builds. They were reportedly wearing masks and gloves and carried backpacks or messenger-style bags. Both were armed with black handguns.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests and charges filed.

Callers with tips, who may remain anonymous, can call 1-800-222-TIPS.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Police seek 2 suspects in string of takeover-style bank robberies."