Second bank robbed on Columbia’s south side, this one near VA

Police are investigating another bank robbery in south Columbia with similarities to a crime that occurred Friday morning.

Saturday’s robbery happened shortly before 10 a.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank at 6700 Garners Ferry Road, according to a news release quoting Chief Skip Holbrook. That address is across from Dorn Veteran’s Hospital.

Investigators are releasing surveillance pictures of the suspect to aid in identifying and locating him.

Witnesses describe the robber as a heavy set black male, last seen wearing eyeglasses, and a blue T-shirt, baseball cap and dark-colored shorts.

He passed a note demanding the money, the news release said. While it’s not believed he showed a weapon, the suspect allegedly threatened to shoot the clerk if she didn’t follow his demands. The suspect stole money before leaving the bank.

No one was hurt.

The robbery resembles one that happened at the First Citizens Bank at 2600 Rosewood Drive on Friday.

Chief Holbrook encourages citizens with information about this incident to call, text or submit online, their anonymous tip to Crimestoppers by calling, toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC, by texting to CRIMES (274637) or by going online at midlandscrimestoppers.com and clicking on the red “Submit a tip” tab.

Tipsters could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Second bank robbed on Columbia’s south side, this one near VA."