A suspect is being sought after a robbery on Wednesday afternoon in East Ridge.
East Ridge Police received a report at 1:38 p.m. of a robbery at the First Tennessee Bank at 5401 Ringgold Road.
Upon police arrival at 1:39 p.m., the building was being evacuated due to the presence of a suspicious package left behind that appeared to be a possible explosive device. The East Ridge Fire Department and Chattanooga Police Department’s bomb squad responded to the scene and assisted with the incident.
The device was determined to be a hoax device. The unknown suspect was a black male wearing a brightly-colored reflective vest, and he fled the scene on a small pink bicycle. The bicycle was recovered by police in a nearby area, but the suspect remains at large.
First Tennessee Market President Jeff Jackson said, "At First Tennessee, our paramount concern is always for our customers and those who serve them. We are grateful that no one was hurt in the robbery at our East Ridge branch and are extremely appreciative of law enforcement officials who are investigating this situation. Because this is an active investigation, we will refer all comments to area law enforcement.”
Anyone with information pertaining to the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the East Ridge Police Department at 423 622-1725 or the confidential tip line at 423 867-0016.