Suspect Sought in Robbery at First Republic Bank

Police are looking for a man who followed a First Republic bank employee into work and then demanded money from her and other co-workers just before 9 a.m. Monday.

Lt. Mark Williams said the employee arrived at work at the bank on Hartz Avenue when an unknown man followed her inside just after she unlocked the bank door. The man showed a handgun and sawed off baseball bat and then demanded money from the employee.

While the robbery was taking place, two more employees arrived at work and were detained by the man, who demanded they empty their cash drawers. After taking an undisclosed amount, the man fled through a side door and escaped on foot.

Officers from Danville, San Ramon and Contra Costa Sheriff's deputies, along with a K-9 unit, searched for the robber downtown Monday morning. The FBI has been notified of the robbery and will be conducting an investigation.

The man is described as white, about 50 years old, 6 feet tall, thin build with blonde-gray hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a navy blue polo shirt, dark khaki pants, black fanny pack, a beige fishing hat and wraparound sunglasses. See the attached photo from the bank's camera.

Any person with information or who may have seen the robber is encouraged to contact Danville Police Sgt. Allan Shields at 925 314-3703.

The bank remained closed Monday afternoon. Bank customers can go to the San Ramon office at 3130 Crow Canyon Place or Walnut Creek office at 1400 Civic Dr.