Marion seeking robbery suspects

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 4, 2004

The Marion Police Department continues to seek information on the whereabouts of two suspects in a Feb. 24 armed robbery in the parking lot of West Alabama Bank on Washington Street.

According to the police incident report, two employees from Fred’s General Store were bringing a deposit to the bank when an unknown black male wearing a dark-colored mask ran up to their vehicle in the parking lot and demanded the money bag.

According to the report, the suspect had a large-caliber handgun and shouted, “Give it up! Give it up!”

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After taking the bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash or checks, the suspect ran back to a light-colored Honda, which was described as having a dirty appearance.

According to a witness, another man was waiting in the vehicle. The Honda exited the parking lot at a high rate of speed headed southbound on Washington Street. The vehicle reportedly headed out of town on Highway 45 south toward Dallas County.

“It is believed the offenders followed Fred’s employees from the work site to the bank parking lot,” Marion Chief of Police Tony M. Bufford said.

The case remains under investigation and is being assisted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI office in Selma.

A police escort can be provided for merchants traveling to banks with deposits, the chief said.