Man Sought In Bank Robbery

HAINES CITY| Police in Haines City are looking for a man who robbed the CenterState Bank in Haines City and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash Thursday morning.

Police used dogs to track the man, who a witness said may have taken off in the direction of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on U.S. 27 North in Haines City, but they were unsuccessful in finding him.

The man is described as white, 5 feet 5 inches tall to 5 feet 7 inches tall with a thin build and between the ages of 25 and 30. He was wearing a dark ball cap, a dark blue T-shirt and sunglasses, said Haines City police Capt. Mervin Stewart.

The man entered the bank at 36099 U. S. 27 about 10:25 a.m. Thursday and handed the teller a note asking for money.

"He laid down a note and got some money and then exited the bank,'' Stewart said.

No one was injured in the robbery and police said the man did not show a gun.

Stewart said no one saw the man get into a car in front of the bank.

"It's possible he had a car in the Wal-Mart parking lot. It did not appear that he had one waiting for him,'' Stewart said.

Police are still reviewing surveillance tapes and plan to release a picture of the man.

Detective Sgt. Jay Hopwood or Detective Justin Day are investigating and can be reached at 863-421-3737. The TIPS line is 863-419-3257.

A reward is being offered through the Haines City Police Department and Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest of the suspect involved in the robbery.