Police urge caution after robberies

Published 1:40 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The Sequim Police Department is warning employees who make night deposits to be alert and travel in pairs if possible following two robberies last week at different bank night drops.

The suspect is described as a lone white male, thin, wearing dark clothing with his face covered.

The first robbery was of a McDonald’s employee making a night deposit Oct. 13 at Bank of America, 114 S. Sequim Ave.

It occurred late at night and the victim was shoved in the process; that use of force meets the statutory definition of strong-arm robbery, said Sequim Police Officer Maris Turner.

The second robbery was of a Tootsie’s employee Oct. 16 at Kitsap Bank, 990 E. Washington St. That victim said the suspect approached and grabbed the deposit.

No weapons or threats were used in either incident, and no one was hurt, Turner said.

Both victims reported the suspect approached quickly, took the money bag and fled on foot, she said.

Neither victim saw a vehicle, but tracking by the department’s K-9 officer indicate the suspect may have fled in a vehicle both times, Turner said.

Police believe the victims were not chosen at random but targeted because of business practices that made them vulnerable, she said.