Updated at 7:10 p.m.
A bank robber vanished after holding up Paragon Bank in downtown
Shakopee Thursday afternoon, despite a massive manhunt along the
Minnesota River.
The robber is described as white or light-skinned, 5-foot-8 or 5-9
in height, with a slim build. He was wearing very white or bright
shoes.
The bank's panic alarm was triggered about 4 p.m. No injuries were reported.
The man left with money out the back door of the bank and headed
north toward the river. Police quickly spotted the robber's blaze
orange ski mask and camouflage clothing in the tunnel leading from
downtown to Levee Drive.
The robber is believed to have headed west on the trial along the
south side of the river. Police called in a Carver County K9 unit and a
State Patrol helicopter to assist in the search.
The man's scent was lost not far away, near the Rahr Malting area,
according to preliminary information, but officers continued to scour
miles of the river basin until it began to turn dark. The search was
called off about 6 p.m.
When the robbery was first reported, the emergency dispatcher informed police that no gun had been seen or implied.
"They were just told to hit the ground," she said of employees.
No get-away vehicle was seen in the area, the dispatcher relayed to officers.
-Shannon Fiecke
A
police detective collects evidence a bank robber left behind: camouflage clothing and a bright orange ski mask.

