PASO
ROBLES, CA – The Paso Robles Police Department is currently investigating an
armed bank robbery at Chase Bank, 194 Niblick Road, Paso Robles CA. The robbery
occurred as the bank was closing at approximately 6:01pm on November 20, 2018.
During the robbery, a bank employee sustained a moderate eye injury after one
of the robbers struck him with a rifle. As of the time of this media release,
it is unknown how much money was taken during the robbery.
PRPD
dispatchers received a 911 call reporting the robbery at approximately 6:07pm;
PRPD officers, a California Highway Patrol helicopter, and SLO County Probation
Officers all arrived within approximately 4 minutes of receiving the call for
help. However, by the time officers arrived the suspects had already escaped in
heavy rush hour traffic.
Bank
employees said at least (5) men entered the bank armed with handguns and a
rifle. The suspects were dressed in black clothing and wore masks to conceal
their faces. The suspects demanded money from bank employees and struck one
employee on the eye with a rifle before fleeing the bank.
Paso
Robles Emergency Services personnel provided immediate treatment to the
employee before an ambulance transported him to an area hospital for further
evaluation. The employee is expected to make a recovery.
The
investigation continues as PRPD investigators work with the Federal Bureau of
Investigations to interview witnesses and process the crime scene for evidence.
Anyone with information about this or similar crimes should contact the PRPD at
805-237-6464, or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call
Crime Stoppers' 24-hour hotline at 805-549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus
your message” to CRIMES (274637).