Police: Apprehended Summerville bank robber said he had a bomb

SUMMERVILLE — A man suspected of robbing the First Federal Savings and Loan branch Thursday afternoon was apprehended later inside the Goose Creek Walmart.

The man’s identity wasn’t immediately available, but clear photographs of the suspect from his time inside the bank were quickly distributed to local police and the media after the attempt.

Goose Creek police Lt. Byron Upchurch said an officer inside the Walmart recognized a man matching the description of the suspect. He approached and asked him to move out of the store.

Once outside, the officer then had a supervisor send a “BOLO” image of the suspect to his cellphone for confirmation. When it was e-delivered, the man and the suspect in the photograph were a match.

Upchurch said the suspect was taken into custody without incident. He was then turned over to Summerville officials. The Summerville Police Department did not respond to several phone inquiries Thursday night.

The incident began at about 3:45 p.m. when a man entered the bank, at 1315 N. Main St., and demanded cash, police said.

The man did not display a weapon but said he had a bomb. It was not disclosed if he received any money.

The suspect was described as a man about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and 130 pounds. He was wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and shorts, and made no attempt to cover his face.

No injuries were reported.