ALEXANDRIA, MN (nomadnews.i234.me) – The tranquil streets of Alexandria were disrupted Thursday night as law enforcement launched a massive search operation focused on apprehending a man suspected of armed robbery. The intense manhunt, centered around the 1700 block of Nokomis Street, gripped the community with an air of tension and uncertainty.
In response to the alarming situation, the Douglas County SWAT Team, along with other law enforcement agencies, executed a search warrant in the area around 9 p.m. Residents were promptly alerted to the unfolding events through a code red issued by the Alexandria Police Department, urging caution and cooperation with authorities. However, the tense atmosphere has since subsided as the code red has been lifted, albeit with no arrests made as of the latest update issued by police at 10:25 p.m. Thursday.
The search operation was triggered following an armed robbery incident earlier that day. According to reports, the suspect, brandishing a handgun, targeted Bremer Bank located at 720 Broadway Street around 4:25 p.m. Witnesses recounted how the assailant demanded cash from a teller before fleeing eastbound from the scene with an undisclosed amount of money in hand.
Alexandria police officers swiftly sprang into action, establishing a perimeter along the east side of Broadway in a bid to contain the fleeing suspect. Despite their efforts, the perpetrator managed to evade capture, eluding even the keen senses of a police dog deployed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to track the fugitive.
Surveillance footage from the bank provided critical leads, capturing images of the suspect believed to be responsible for the brazen daylight robbery. With the stakes high and public safety at the forefront, the sheriff’s office and the FBI have joined forces with the local police department to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported during the robbery, as confirmed by Alexandria Police Chief Scott Kent. However, the gravity of the situation remains palpable, as authorities urge vigilance and caution from the public. A stern warning was issued, advising against approaching the armed suspect and instead urging anyone with information to contact Douglas County Dispatch at 320-763-6631 or dial 911 immediately.
As Alexandria residents await further updates, the resolve of law enforcement remains steadfast in their pursuit of the armed robbery suspect. Chief Kent assured the community of an impending update on Friday, May 3, signaling continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents amidst this unsettling ordeal.
I’m Neil Berg reporting for nomadnews.i234.me