Authorities are searching for a masked bandit who shot a bank teller in Lake Forest before fleeing with $31,000.
The man entered a Chase Bank branch around noon Thursday, reached the counter and fired a round toward the teller’s feet, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The bullet did not hit the cashier.
The suspect fled the bank, near the intersection of Portola and Bake Drives, before officers arrived. Sheriff’s officials described him as between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slim build. He wore a camouflage print bucket hat, a black mask that covered his entire face, a yellow hooded sweatshirt, beige pants, gloves and was armed with a silver revolver, according to the sheriff’s department.
Officers searched the surrounding neighborhood using a patrol helicopter and K-9 units, but were unable to find the man. Authorities recovered several items from a trail near the bank that they believe could be linked to the robbery. Authorities did not say what potential evidence was found.
Nearby Foothill Ranch Elementary School was temporarily closed while deputies combed the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000 or leave an anonymous tip at (855) 847-6227.
