Man suspected of robbing the Columbia Credit Union still on the run

The Columbia Police Department is investigating a bank robbery in central Columbia.

Police Chief Ken Burton confirms the Columbia Credit Union was robbed near Walnut and Providence just before 11 Wednesday morning.

Our crews on the scene saw crime scene investigators dusting for fingerprints on the door to the Columbia Credit Union.

Public Information Officer Bryana Larimer confirms four people, including a teller, were inside the credit union at the time of the robbery. Police say a man came up to the teller and made it clear that he was here to rob the credit union.

Police say once the teller gave the suspect the cash the suspect took off on foot east bound on Walnut going toward the police station.It’s unclear if a weapon was involved in the robbery.

No one was injured and there were no reports of property damage.

“Officers are working with local businesses in the area around here as well to obtain any video surveillance of the incident,” Larimer said. “They’re asking all witnesses informational questions and moving forward with the investigation.”

Ahmed El-Tayash, an employee at A & Y Global Market, which is located just two doors down from the Columbia Credit Union, said he was unaware of the robbery until police arrived on scene.

He said he’s going to double check his security before leaving work each day.

“It’s not too concerning,” El-Tayash said. “Obviously, I’ll make sure my alarm is set tonight and every night and make sure the door is locked.”

Police say they are looking for a black male suspect described as 5’10”, slender build with a buzzed hair cut.

The Columbia Credit Union released a picture of the suspect from their video surveillance camera Wednesday afternoon.

They said they didn’t have any comment on the robbery.