Man with kitchen knife robs Longview credit union
Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:45 PM PST
By Leslie Slape
Printable version
E-mail this articleA man armed with a kitchen knife robbed the First Citizens Federal Credit Union at the Triangle Center Wednesday morning, getting away with a small amount of cash, Longview police said.
The robbery took place around 8:30 a.m.
“He was in and out quick,” said Manager Rick Dahl, who said no one was injured. He said the experience was “pretty traumatic” for employees.
The bank was locked down briefly while police, including K9 Chase, searched the area. The robber had not been found by late Wednesday morning.
The suspect is a white male in his 40s, about 6-foot-2, with blue eyes and a medium to small build. He wore a gray stocking cap, a scarf over his mouth, a heavy black ski coat, bright green sweats and white tennis shoes.
Anyone with information on the robbery is urged to call Longview police, 442-5800, or Crime Stoppers of Cowlitz County, 577-1206.
viper wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:05 AM:
" (Pinky) that would be to complicated for them it would mean getting out of there cars and walking on foot and the tracks might lead them away from the dough nut shop "
GregN wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:19 AM:
" Viper, to be honest I have never seen a police officer at the local doughnut shop (which is delicious.) Like the guy walked from his house to the credit union in the snow?! A car would be my logical means of transportation if I were trying to get away. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:22 AM:
" I know it's easy to armchair quarterback and disect these things and how to avoid them..with the obvious being the bank tellers need to be armed...but aside from that..how does someone rob a bank with a knife???? There is a counter between you and the perp..step back three feet, yell the top of your lungs, and start throwin anything and everything at the loser..again..i guess armchair quarterbacking is easy..but it aint likely anytime soon, I will be a victim of someone trying to hold me up with a knife... "
badfish wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:25 AM:
" Crimes like these are getting out of hand. When will someone come to their sences and ban kitchen knives? "
Pinky wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:36 AM:
" badfish.. you shouldn't make me fall out of my chair laughing like that... oh my.. and I am at work too!!!! Good one!! "
pilaf wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Isn't there a button the tellers can push when they see someone walk in wearing bright green workout clothes and a stocking cap covering his face before he gets anywhere near a teller or bank employee? Maybe it was Green Hornet gone bad! "
duthsa_of_kelso wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:54 AM:
" I would like to take my armchair QB now, How about the crock dundee approach," you call THAT a knife? this here is a Knife mate ", and the teller produces a Japanese Katana or such. Probably was not so funny to the teller.
And maybe he flew there, therefore no tracks, but, we can tell he must have been about 45, though. The blue eyes and bright green workout clothing is a dead giveaway. All they need to do is search pee-wee Herman's play-land.
When captured, I hope he gets the book thrown at him for extremely bad fashion sense. Guy's like this give criminals bad names. "
And maybe he flew there, therefore no tracks, but, we can tell he must have been about 45, though. The blue eyes and bright green workout clothing is a dead giveaway. All they need to do is search pee-wee Herman's play-land.
When captured, I hope he gets the book thrown at him for extremely bad fashion sense. Guy's like this give criminals bad names. "
swan wrote on Dec 24, 2008 12:15 PM:
" ...careful pinky, wouldn't want to have to file a workers comp claim for that. There is no Triangle Mall anymore, what gives? "
Jollibee wrote on Dec 24, 2008 12:18 PM:
" Maybe this man need money for christmas buy a gift for family or he need money for drugs. Merry Christmas every one! PEACE... "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Dec 24, 2008 12:18 PM:
" It's obvious some of you QBs have never been inside 1st Citizens(that is the correct spelling btw). Not everyone is behind the teller counter, in fact there is usually an elderly woman at a desk about 10-12 feet from the front door. It's not a very large building. I'm sure they did what they were trained to do in that situation, give the robber the couple hundred dollars and call the police. Why get hurt or killed over a couple hundred that's insured anyway? "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 24, 2008 12:45 PM:
" It's a matter of pride and dignity vikingtwin..at least say the person had a gun...its embarrassing to get held up with a knife..i mean tell the cops the truth...but make sure the story that makes the paper at least has some elements of heroics to it.. "
Taffeta wrote on Dec 24, 2008 12:56 PM:
" vikingtwin5~ That woman isn't an elderly woman (unless you are 12). She isn't any older than the majority of our mothers (58 - 62). And yes I do bank there. Wonderful people and I hope no one was hurt. The police do have a vehicle lead an older model dark mustang or something similar. Knives, Guns..it doesn't matter what is used. A threat is a threat. "
getalife wrote on Dec 24, 2008 1:39 PM:
" Some of you people have no clue to how dangerous someone with a knife can be, a knife is a deadly weapon. The tellers did exactly what they should and I am very glad they are safe. Think about your comments before you post them as the workers do read these comments. My wife is a teller and she is ticked off about stupid comments. like my log in name says (GET A LIFE). "
kelso gringo wrote on Dec 24, 2008 1:39 PM:
" Sounds like some of you posters do not understand that a knife can kill someone. Police officers know what someone with a knife can do. That is why they will shoot someone with a knife before they get within 15 feet. A knife is a deadly weapon. The tellers were smart to simply do as they were told. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 24, 2008 2:08 PM:
" I really could not care less if workers are reading these comments..as no one was injured and most of us are well aware how dangerous a knife can be..we just added a little humor..Carlin once said..anything can be made to be funny, if used in the right context..oh..and telling someone to "Get a life" is about as original as wearing a beer holder hat to a football game..
Public service announcement:
"No TDN posters, or bank tellers were injured during the posting of this last message". "
Public service announcement:
"No TDN posters, or bank tellers were injured during the posting of this last message". "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Dec 24, 2008 2:37 PM:
" Gondolapete;I'm sure any of the employees working at the time will just be laughing hysterically when they read all the "humor" posted by all you comedians. Taffeta;sorry if I aged her prematurely, would upper middle-age be more accurate? "
CONCERENED wrote on Dec 24, 2008 2:48 PM:
" RE: HEY GET A LIFE? DID YOU SEE IF HE HAD TRACTION DEVICES ON HIS VEHICLE OR CHAINS? LMAO , YOU SILLY MAN , YOU SILLY! WHAT ELSE BETTER IS THERE TO DO ON A DAY LIKE TODAY , THEN SIT BACK AND TAKE POT SHOTS AT SOME CRAZED MAN WITH A KNIFE , LOL, I DO HOPE THEY CATH HIM THO.MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL GOOD NIGHT!!! "
speak into the microphone wrote on Dec 24, 2008 2:56 PM:
" If Tellers,teachers,mall security ect. need to have guns and the proper training and you would see a drastic reduction in crime "
northender wrote on Dec 24, 2008 3:34 PM:
" Come on folks... This guy was just getting his bailout! The banks have their money and will not lend it! This must be how the little guy gets his. Not to worry... the fed. will print more where that came from! "
kitten wrote on Dec 24, 2008 3:40 PM:
" Chief Perez may have to get out there and earn his raise to catch this bad-fashioned thief. (Does anyone know where Richard Simmons was at the time this happened?) Glad no one was hurt. "
Diesel wrote on Dec 24, 2008 4:43 PM:
" re: Gondolapete - - it is clear that you have no idea about what went down in this matter. As for being held up by a knife I'm sure that if you were unarmed you would give up everything you have. Here's a fact you need to learn so that your headline doesn't read man with gun killed by man with knife. A study by the FBI and the L.A. county Sheriff's department many years ago stated that if an officer was confronted by a perp with a knife and they were within 7yds (21ft) that the officer would have a 98% chance of being killed. I just love you tough guys who think you would whip the bad guys just because you have a gun. I make my living with a gun on my hip and have seen countless hero's lose when they think they're so big and bad. "
viper wrote on Dec 24, 2008 4:47 PM:
" Well everyone now that we all had some fun pot shooting. hey maybe he wasn't allowed to have a gun ? who knows . Have a merry Xmas : Viper "
Thought wrote on Dec 24, 2008 5:04 PM:
" "Microphone" Sure lets just arm every fool with guns. Just blast away. These people used their heads instead of bullets and all is good. Frontier days are over just as your mind set is. Be nice when all ammo is coded. "
columbian wrote on Dec 24, 2008 5:08 PM:
" TIME FOR BANKS AND CREDIT UNION TO HIRE GUARDS WITH GUNS.THESE GUYS GO IT TO EASY NONE EVER GET CAUGHT. "
Smokey01 wrote on Dec 24, 2008 6:51 PM:
" I'm so sorry that you all had to deal with such a troubled person on Christmas Eve (of all days). At least no one got hurt. There is so much help available to people. They do not need to resort to taking such desperate actions. If you need money for food, go to a church. You can get help if you really need it. Pray that this man gets caught so he can get the help he needs. Merry Christmas ALL!! I pray for all you that were involved today. Everything will be okay. Enjoy Christmas with your families. "
argoman wrote on Dec 24, 2008 7:17 PM:
" Thought' I think you missed the point, microphone said PROPER TRAINING and your mindset is that of a anti-gun freak. Coded ammo that is the answer to it all,,,lol "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 24, 2008 10:16 PM:
" Diesel, frankly I am tired of the worn out argument how many of us that are armed have no clue how to use our guns, and how "unsafe" it is to carry one...first off, there will never be a time in history that I will be unarmed when I am in public, unless im in a court room, second off..I am very, well trained, as to how to use one..third off, i am ALWAYS aware of my surroundings..for instance if you were stranded along side the road and were changing a tire, and needed help, i would do so, all the while never allowing myself to be positioned where I lose visual of you..fourth off, none of us posters know each other for the most part, so its a waste of time to make blanket statements that have no bearing on the other posters..even if you are a LEO, you are not better trained than I am...I shoot and train for self defense more than many cops do, just because I never want to be a statistic..and that is the facts of life for Gondolapete...if citizens were armed and trained to protect themselves, all the cops job would be is too show up and draw the chalk outline, and give parking tickets... "
insertnamehere wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:00 PM:
" So, apparently this is what the unemployed, white trash fine citizens of Cowlitz County does all day...talk a bunch a crap about a robbery that they really know nothing about. I'm thinking of an important quote here..."there are three sides to every story: yours, theirs, and the truth." The Daily News has a history of posting stories that aren't exactly what I'd call the truth and then after they post these articles they allow retards to post comments about them. So, the bank was robbed by someone with a "kitchen knife." Hardly. I've seen some pretty big kitchen knifes. Even if that guy had NO weapon, did you ever think about the traumatic experience that those bank tellers had to go through? What if now everytime they go to work to help your dumb ass that's sitting on the computer making light of a serious situation to help you with your financial dealings and they fear that it could happen again...and maybe the guy won't be so "nice" next time. Have a heart. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas. "
jamshemil wrote on Dec 24, 2008 11:12 PM:
" columbian,I agree I am laid off and I am certified in firearms and defense tactics maybe I could get a job,humm. "
speak into the microphone wrote on Dec 25, 2008 8:10 AM:
" Thought, here is a thought just for you. I said equip them with guns and THE PROPER TRAINING! What part of that do you not understand?Why do you think we have these problems?Coded ammo that will fix it!L O O S E R. You comments are those of one who is anti-gun.My comments are for those that are sick of this type of crap and just want to GET'R DONE! "
passRby wrote on Dec 25, 2008 10:33 AM:
" Tellers are trained to give robbers cash, NO EXCEPTIONS, even if it is just a kitchen knife. And to the TRAUMATIZED employees... PLEASE!!! If you're traumatized from a kitchen knife you have more serious problems in life. At least you weren't lined up in single file getting sprayed in the face with mace like Fibre CU employees were. Now THAT is traumatizing. "
speak into the microphone wrote on Dec 25, 2008 11:19 AM:
" Does the bank not have security cameras? If longview police would post a pic even if the guy was masked up somone might recognize his clothing or something else.Get with it "
columbian wrote on Dec 25, 2008 11:20 AM:
" EVER LOOK DOWN THE BARREL OF A 12 GA.SHOT GUN.PLACE A MAN AT THE DOOR WITH ONE .PROBLEM SOLVED. "
onemom wrote on Dec 25, 2008 11:47 AM:
" What I really dont understand is why with all the great cameras available do places have such bad security cameras/photos? I mean, why do they always have to be up in the ceiling? Why can places not have a hidden camera that will actually get a face level picture instead of a grainy picture of their head? Have a secure area before entering a bank/cu, with an armed guard making sure there are no hats, sunglasses, masks, etc. I would imagine that it is a very traumatic experience to be robbed, there seems to be alot that could be done to prevent it (from the average non-professional anyway). "
rs wrote on Dec 25, 2008 2:33 PM:
" I never see a story about the police dogs tracking someone successfully. mayhaps they should get some useful dogs and not dogs from some backyard breeders. or contact a police department with dogs that have a higher success rate and go through there sources. This is just another example of how LPD couldn't catch a cold. "
Thought wrote on Dec 25, 2008 3:11 PM:
" A little man with a big gun is just that.. A little man with a big gun. I would hate to live a life being so paraniod that I can't see the roses..If you choose to dwell on the negative be my guest but quit puffing up your chest it just makes you look bloated !!! "
?trust wrote on Dec 25, 2008 3:42 PM:
" I am happy he has gotten away under the assumption he is using the money for family needs and maybe presents for his kids... He had the balls, the money is insured. He just did what more than half of us are saying under our breaths right now... RIGHT "
duthsa_of_kelso wrote on Dec 25, 2008 4:17 PM:
" I do not condone or condemn the use of guns. I have had fun shooting them, I do not carry one, I am not trained in martial gun use, just hunting. I gotta say, I have noticed the bad guys do not screw around with an armed person, just seeing the thing acts as deterrent.
If the teller was my Mom, or wife, I would be outraged, scared, traumatized by the event, even though I was not there. I would be worried the perp is still loose, and maybe would strike again. I have been cut by knives, not fun, been attacked while walking through a truck-stop in west memphis. The security guard (armed with gun) came running before i was hurt, the attacker started to run, dropped when told "I'm gonna blow your brains out homey if you don't put your hands up" or something like that, I guess that .38 was big enough to convince him it was not worth getting shot, he was captured, only because of the gun threat. I hate that it was necessary, but there it is. "
If the teller was my Mom, or wife, I would be outraged, scared, traumatized by the event, even though I was not there. I would be worried the perp is still loose, and maybe would strike again. I have been cut by knives, not fun, been attacked while walking through a truck-stop in west memphis. The security guard (armed with gun) came running before i was hurt, the attacker started to run, dropped when told "I'm gonna blow your brains out homey if you don't put your hands up" or something like that, I guess that .38 was big enough to convince him it was not worth getting shot, he was captured, only because of the gun threat. I hate that it was necessary, but there it is. "
hick from the sticks wrote on Dec 25, 2008 5:00 PM:
" I can not beleive the mentality of some of you bloggers. Who cares what the robber used as a weapon, he obviously was threatening, and scared the employees. Have any of you ever taken any classes on this sort of thing? If you had, then you would know you don't argue with a robbers choice of weapon. Did you ever stop to think that he might have come up behind someone with the knife? As for the women who sits up front....try about 75 years old. Shame on all of you who made light of this situation. I hope you don't find yourself in the same. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 25, 2008 5:09 PM:
" Hey Thought..I could not imagine living in a world of naivety like so many around here seem to...we are having armed robberies, and THAT does not seem to get the same attention us legal carry owners get...But, hey, I am just a "little paranoid man"...nothing to worry about ever..being prepared and alert is futile..might as well throw my spare tire away...the mere thought of thinking I may ever need it is paranoia!! "
racingrocks wrote on Dec 25, 2008 7:12 PM:
" This will continue to happen until these places get smart and put cameras up outside in the parking lot,then maybe they can better track the suspects. "
a person wrote on Dec 25, 2008 10:07 PM:
" The newspaper cannot give all the details of the robbery but if you were to talk to the people involved, it was not a case of a person coming in during business hours and talking to a teller behind the counter. The CU is in transition to becoming another credit union and other people were involved besides the people that are normally there. This was a terrible tragedy that seems to happen all to often in this area. More jobs are needed in the county...so start hiring more security guards and install more cameras!!! "
argoman wrote on Dec 26, 2008 12:04 PM:
" Hey Thought:It sounds like you are the one with little man syndrome.Read Gondola petes comment,so true,,,, "
Pinky wrote on Dec 26, 2008 3:34 PM:
" Hey rs... apparently you missed the article that the daily news did on LPD's newest dog, that was a hand picked purebred german sheppard from Germany, I forget how much it costs, so I won't even guess at a figure but it was pricey, and definitely NOT some backyard breeders dog.. And yes, the
K-9 units do successfully track down the perps! You must miss those articles as well. Have a happy and safe new year, and thank God that no one was hurt! "
K-9 units do successfully track down the perps! You must miss those articles as well. Have a happy and safe new year, and thank God that no one was hurt! "
kelsomomof3 wrote on Jan 4, 2009 10:52 AM:
" I work a few block from the bank that was robbed and I have to say the LPD along with the state troopers were doing a fine job of searching for the suspect. Thus why all the employees at my work were looking out our store windows at the officers walking all around our building with assault rifles, k-9 unit and the many police cars cruising up and down the road. Oh and the doughnut shop is in the opposite direction from my work. "
Past Month's Most Commented Stories