DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KWAD) – Law enforcement agencies from across the region are searching for an armed suspect following an attempted bank robbery Friday afternoon in Detroit Lakes.
According to the Detroit Lakes Police Department, officers were called to Midwest Bank at approximately 12:15 p.m. after reports of an attempted armed robbery.
Authorities say the suspect fled the scene on foot and ran into a nearby wooded area before officers arrived.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, wearing all black clothing, black shorts, and a ski mask. Investigators say he was carrying a duffel bag and was armed with a handgun.
A large-scale search was launched shortly after the incident, involving local law enforcement agencies, the Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, and multiple drone units. Officers have since expanded the search beyond the immediate area as they continue to investigate leads.
Detroit Lakes Deputy Police Chief Robert Strand said investigators have identified a vehicle connected to the case but are not yet releasing details about it.
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“We believe he’s out of the area,” Strand told Valley News Live Friday afternoon. “Now we’re just going to start canvassing the neighborhood looking for residents that have cameras attached to their houses and their businesses. We have a suspect vehicle, or I should say a vehicle of interest, so hopefully we’ll get something out here in the near future once we get that identified.”
Authorities are asking residents and business owners in the area to review any security camera footage recorded around the time of the incident and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The bank employee involved in the attempted robbery was not injured.
Strand credited the rapid response from neighboring agencies for assisting in the search effort.
“In a rural area like this, this is huge. This is how we survive,” Strand said. “We can’t do it alone. When you put a call out and you get these guys that show up like they did today, it speaks a lot for how we work together. We’re always there for each other. No questions asked.”
As of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been made and the suspect remained at large. The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Detroit Lakes Police Department.