A man who allegedly robbed the Hudson City Savings Bank in Forked River on Monday is still at large, police Chief William Nally confirmed today.
“Several substantial leads are being followed,” Nally said. “I expect an arrest in connection with this robbery.”
The bank, located on South Main Street in Forked River, was robbed at 3 p.m. by a single white male who entered the lobby and demanded cash from the teller, Nally said. No weapon was displayed.
The suspect was described to be wearing blue jeans, a dark sweater or sweatshirt and a dark baseball cap. His face was partially covered by a scarf or an article of clothing, Nally said.
The male left the scene on foot, he said.
Police responded to the bank within minutes and searched the immediate area. The Ocean County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit also responded to assist in the search. The suspect has yet to be located, Nally said.
Kyle Marcell, an employee of AT&T, which is located next to the bank, said the suspect allegedly ran past the store. As a result of the robbery, the retail store had to close for approximately half an hour. Employees were questioned but did not witness the incident, Marcell said.
A search was conducted throughout the premises for a substantial time, said Tom Schi of Pan Asia, a Chinese and Japanese cuisine also located in the Lakeside Plaza. The restaurant remained open and operated as “normal,” he said.
Police left the scene just before 6 p.m. on Monday. Just after, bank employees also left. The bank typically closes at 3 p.m. on Mondays.
The employees declined to comment due to the investigation.
Members of Lacey’s detective bureau and the FBI’s Red Bank office are assisting in the investigation.
