Great Southern Bank robbed in south Columbia
Columbia police were looking for a man suspected of robbing a Providence Road bank early Friday afternoon.
According to police, the man entered Great Southern Bank armed with a firearm and demanded money from an employee. He then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. No bank employees were injured during the robbery.
Lt. Geoff Jones said police were looking for a slim white man between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall wearing a dark hoodie and sweatpants with a mask and gloves. He had a handgun and ran southeast from the bank, Jones said.
Four Columbia Public School buildings were on modified lockdown because of the robbery at Great Southern Bank in the 3200 block of South Providence Road. CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said the lockdown was lifted at 12:40 p.m. when school officials got the all-clear from authorities.
Gentry Middle School, Rock Bridge High School, Rock Bridge Elementary School and Career Center all went on lockdown just before noon on Friday.
“A modified lockdown means that access in and out of the school is restricted, but a regular day continues inside,” Baumstark said in an email. “All students are safe.”
Police were taking crime scene tape down at about 1:45 p.m.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573-874-7652 or call CrimeStoppers at 573-875-8477 to remain anonymous.
