Arlington Bank Robbery: Police Seeking Male Suspect

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington police are reporting a bank robbery at Leader Bank located at 449 Massachusetts Ave. Friday afternoon. Police had said that Arlington Catholic and the St. Agnes School had been sheltering in place, but police announced at 2:08 p.m. that the shelter in place had been lifted.

According to a statement released at approximately 3:40 p.m., Chief Frederick Ryan stated that the man had entered the bank and said he had a weapon. He then appeared to flee westbound on Massachusetts Avenue with an undetermined amount of cash.

"I am grateful that no one was injured in this incident and that bank staff acted appropriately and performed their duties," Ryan said.

In an e-mail to the Arlington Public Schools community, superintendent Kathleen Bodie stated that Arlington High School, Ottoson Middle School, Thompson and Bishop schools had also sheltered in place.

Police say the bank robbery occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. The suspect is still on foot, according to police. He is identified as a black male standing 5-feet-7 inches tall and wearing a Patriots hat, sunglasses and a blue checkered shirt.

Dismissal from Arlington Catholic and St. Agnes will proceeded as usual, police said. Students were advised to leave the area. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 781-643-1212

UPDATED: 3:47 p.m.