Credit union robbed, customer pistol-whipped, in West Covina
WEST COVINA - Two men robbed a credit union and pistol-whipped a customer Friday morning, authorities said.
A female employee was also struck during the robbery, but she suffered no visible injuries and declined to be taken to a hospital, Lt. Alan Henley said.
The takeover robbery at First Financial Credit Union took place at 9:32 a.m. in the 2500 block of East Workman Avenue, police said.
Employees and customers were told to lie on ground by two men who entered the store in hoodies and ski masks, Henley said.
The men entered the bank yelling and at least one had a gun, police said. At one point a robber jumped on the counter, Henley said.
There were five employees inside First Financial Credit Union during the robbery, said Gary Skraba, vice president of the credit union.
A customer trying to enter the bank confronted one of the robbers near the door and there was a struggle, police said. The man, who was in his 30s, was pistol-whipped and suffered abrasions to his head, Henley said.
He was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries, police said.
The robbers, described as two black males, fled from the credit union in a black compact vehicle -- possible a Toyota Corolla, investigators said.
The robbers ordered a female manager in her 30s to open cash drawers and a vault, Lt. Marty Sevilla said.
Police declined to say much money was taken.
Forensic investigators were at the scene Friday morning collecting evidence, including blood from the floor near the front entrance.
After the robbery, employees waited at a nearby restaurant in the shopping center. They declined to comment on the incident.
*Thanks to Mike over at the Bank Terrorists Blog for a tipping me off to this heist.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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