Bomb scare at Wachovia Bank in Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS --A note left behind by a bomb-toting bank robber said the man was a former bank employee, that he knows how this works, that he has a bomb, and to hand him the money.

He left a bag of money in the bank as he fled.

Police are still searching for the man, who walked into the Wachovia Bank at Forest Hill and Military Trail around 11:00 a.m. this morning, said he had a bomb strapped to his chest, and demanded money. He is about 5-foot-eight-inches tall and was wearing a red hoody-style sweatshirt and khaki shorts.

"I have a bomb, don't panic, just empty the drawer, I used to work here, so no dye packs, thank you, cooperate and no one gets hurt," the note said.

Police said he put the "bomb" on the counter, took the money, and fled in a small, white SUV.

The building was evacuated and the nearby roads were closed to traffic.

Forest Hill Blvd was shut down between Kirk Road and Military Trail and the Palm Beach County Bomb Squad responded.

The bag was checked by members of the bomb squad, who determined there was no bomb. The roads and businesses were re-opened. The amount of money taken in the robbery remains undisclosed at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact Det. Jan Hansen of the Palm Springs Police Dept at (561) 304-4822