The Gilroy Police Department responded to a robbery at approximately 2:34 p.m. Tuesday at the Chase Bank located at 1177 First St., according to GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza. No injuries were reported.
“It was a takeover-style robbery with two armed masked men,” Espinoza said, adding that the men were wearing black clothing, black ski masks, gloves and were described as two adult males of unknown races. “They came into the business and ordered everyone to get on the ground and were able to jump over counters and access money.”
Espinoza said the suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and were last seen driving northbound on Westwood Drive in a white, full-sized van. One suspect was armed with a handgun, and the other was wielding a long gun – either a rifle or a shotgun, Espinoza added.
“Multiple officers arrived to the vicinity of the reported crime scene within minutes and conducted a search for the suspects,” he said. “Despite their efforts and other investigative techniques, the suspects were not located.”
Espinoza said the incident was captured on surveillance video and GPD detectives are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations following up on leads.
Takeover-style robberies are rare in Gilroy, Espinoza said, explaining there has been an uptick in those crimes in neighboring communities including Capitola and Watsonville.
“Our detectives are following up and seeing if there is any connection between those robberies,” he added.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact GPD Det. Michael Bolton at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).
