Published: April 07, 2009 10:45 pm         

Harris Bank in Farmersburg becomes latest robbery target in Wabash Valley

FARMERSBURG — A sign announcing longer hours and more convenient service blew in a cold wind as squad cars filled the Harris Bank parking lot in Farmersburg.

The bad guys scored again.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts confirmed the bank was robbed about 11:57 a.m. Tuesday, as a crowded Dairy Queen served lunch next door.

“There are similarities between this and the robberies at Shelburn,” Watts said, noting the suspect in Tuesday’s robbery is a white male, about 5 feet, 6 or 8 inches tall. The suspect reportedly wore a mask and black gloves while approaching a teller. He carried a black, semi-automatic handgun and demanded money. A teller reported seeing the suspect’s eyebrows through the mask and claimed they were light brown, Watts added.

The suspect left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash and is believed to be driving a small to mid-sized gray car.

No customers were in the bank at the time of the robbery and no injuries were reported. The bank remained closed Tuesday and Watts said it will reopen for business today.

A similar vehicle and subject are believed to have committed the Feb. 9 and Dec. 16 robberies of the Harris Bank in Shelburn, Watts confirmed.

Just two weeks ago, on March 24, the Terre Haute Savings Bank in Riley at Indiana 46 and 159 was robbed at 2:44 p.m. by a similar suspect in a small, gray or blue vehicle, according to previous reports.

The First National Bank branch in Cloverdale was robbed Monday by an armed suspect, believed to be a white male, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, Watts confirmed.

The Harris Bank in Farmersburg is along busy U.S. 41 South, right next to the Dairy Queen. Watts said Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies interviewed witnesses who were around the bank at the time of the robbery.

Watts noted bystanders might not have thought much of a man wearing a mask due to the cold wind blowing, but anyone who does recall such a person should contact the authorities, he said.

“Right now, we’re just missing that one link,” he said, hopeful public input can help lead police to a suspect who might have been involved in any number of the recent bank robberies.

Individuals with information on the robberies should contact the Indiana State Police at (812) 299-1153.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.