Would-be robber twice denied money at bank
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on January 31, 2007 1:49 PM
DEEP RUN -- A woman tried to rob the Southern Bank and Trust Co. branch in Deep Run Tuesday morning, but the teller twice refused to give her any money and the would-be robber fled the scene, Lenoir County Sheriff's Office deputies reported.
Sgt. Jeff Herring said this morning that officers responded to the 9:50 a.m. alarm and searched the area near South Lenoir High School for the suspect but could not pick up her trail.
Herring said investigators are awaiting photos of the suspect taken by the bank's surveillance cameras before continuing the investigation.
The woman entered the bank building, which is located between the small southern Lenoir County town and the school, wearing a scarf and hat so that only her eyes showed, investigators said.
She was carrying a Budweiser beer cardboard box, Herring said, and demanded the teller fill it with money. When the teller refused, the woman repeated the demand and was denied again. At that point, Herring said the woman ran on foot toward the school, which is backed by a large creek and swamp.
Officers used dogs to try to pick up the suspect's scent but were unsuccessful in locating her when the trail died out near the four-lane N.C. 11 south. Investigators were not sure whether the suspect reached a getaway vehicle or got away on foot.
School officials locked the school down for about an hour after hearing of the robbery attempt. A Lenoir County school official said the suspect was seen running in front of the school.
The woman was described as about 5-feet-4 inches tall, weighing about 110 to 115 pounds and wearing a gray to bluish hooded jacket, blue jeans, black shoes and white gloves.