Robbery suspect crashes getaway car, flees on foot

Plainfield, Conn. (WTNH) - Schools in Hebron were put under lockdown after a robbery suspect crashed during a police pursuit and fled on foot.

According to State Police, around 3 p.m. on Monday, a white male entered the Citizens Bank, located at 16 Railroad Ave., in Plainfield, and demanded money from tellers.

Within seconds of obtaining the money and leaving the building a dye pack exploded on the suspect, causing some of the money to be scattered in the parking lot.

No weapon was shown or implied during the robbery.

The suspect fled the bank in a blue, 2002 Jeep Liberty with Connecticut plates. A witness was able to get a plate number and it was determined that the vehicle was registered out of Wallingford.

Police said the suspect's vehicle was spotted and troopers pursued the vehicle for several miles, until the suspect crashed on Route 316 in Hebron and fled on foot.

Police said they believe the man is dangerous, so they put RHAM High School and RHAM Middle School under lockdown, escorting students to their vehicles searching the back seats and trunks, sending them off on the dark and foggy roads.

"We all waited in the gym," said Sarah Nevins, of Bozrah. "They had to walk us out and search our cars. Very scary, especially since I live right down the road."

"I'm pretty scared right now," said Nicole Walsh, of Bozrah. "They came out here, they searched my car with a flash light to make sure no one was here. I'm shaking."

The suspect is described as a white man, mid 30's, weighing 150 lbs., approximately 5'6" to 5'8" tall, with hazel eyes. He was wearing work boots, blue jeans, navy blue hooded sweatshirt, and a black face mask at the time of the robbery.

As of 7:24 p.m., State Police and Plainfield Police were in Hebron searching for the suspect with police K-9's.

Anyone who has information regarding the robbery or the suspect's identity is asked to contact Plainfield Police at 860-564-0804 or the anonymous tip line at 860-564-7065.