Moline bank robbed 2nd time since June

MOLINE, Mich. (WOOD) - Deputies are asking the public for help after two men robbed the Chemical Bank branch in Moline Monday morning, possibly for the second time since June.

Specifically, they are calling on anyone who may have seen a vehicle pulling out of a "two track" that runs north off 142nd Avenue, east of U.S. 131 near a water tower, sometime after 10:30 a.m.

The two male suspects carried long guns, wore face masks and matching blue rain suits, and demanded cash. Police believe that the weapons may have been an assault-type rifle and a pistol-grip shotgun.

The suspects fled to the north, police at the scene told 24 Hour News 8. Investigators say they believe the suspects headed back south at one point.

It's believed the suspects switched from their original getaway vehicle, a green minivan, to another vehicle in that area.

A Michigan State Police Trooper found the minivan abandoned in a field a few miles away at 142nd Ave. and U.S. 131, according to the Allegan County Sheriff's Office.

No one was injured in the robbery.

Deputies say the suspects may be the same men who robbed the bank in June.

"We are investigating that now. There are some similarities to the robberies and that's one of the things we'll be looking into," said Allegan County sheriff Lt. Frank Baker.

Baker says his department is working with Michigan State Police who are investigating the first robbery, which happened on June 24.

Baker did not give specific reasons why they think the same suspects are involved.

"Just the manner in which they entered the bank, the weapons involved, their demeanor," said Baker.

As for why they would rob the same bank, which is located on a rural stretch of Division Avenue outside of Moline, Baker says he didn't want to speculate.

Deputies ask that anyone with information about the robbery or the suspects' vehicle contact the Allegan County Sheriff's Office at (269) 673-0550 or the Silent Observer at 1-855-SILENT-O (745-3686).