Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is offering up to $5,000* for original information leading to the conviction of suspects responsible for a robbery and bomb threat at the credit union's 7th Street & Missouri branch location (5555 N. 7th Street, Phoenix).
The incident occurred late yesterday afternoon when a suspect entered the branch and placed two empty bags on the counter. He handed the teller a note demanding money and claimed he had an explosive device in one of the bags.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene with an unspecified amount of cash in a white Pontiac Grand Am sedan driven by a second person. Phoenix PD Bomb Squad retrieved the device and rendered it safe.
The suspect is described as a White male, 40-50 years old with a mustache and dark shoulder length hair.
Jason Meyers, a spokesperson for the credit union said, "We now know the package did not contain any explosives. Unfortunately, the Valley has seen a sharp rise in robberies over the past few months as the economy worsens. We want to remind people to be extra aware of their surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity to the police. When times get tough, people resort to these types of crimes, which put everyone at risk."
Desert Schools has 1,300 employees and 64 branch locations in Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties.
*the conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for these robberies. Desert Schools FCU, in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount. Desert Schools FCU may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered. The decision will be based primarily upon law enforcement's evaluation of the value of the information provided. When there are multiple claimants, the reward will be shared in amounts determined by Desert Schools FCU. Desert Schools FCU employees are not eligible for the reward. This reward offer is good for one year from the date it is first offered unless extended by Desert Schools FCU.