Fife Lake man is now in custody for bank robbery and bomb threat.
KINGSLEY -- Grand Traverse County Sheriff's deputies have a Fife Lake man in custody for a bank robbery and bomb threat.
Around 9a.m. Thursday morning investigators say a white male in his 50's walked into Northwestern Bank in Kingsley, handed the teller a note demanding cash, and on the way out mentioned a bomb on the premises.
The suspect was wearing an orange stocking cap, sheatshirt, and jeans. He was not wearing a mask, so employees were able to get a good look at his face.
Investigators say the suspect left the bank Eastbound on M-113 in a teal green Kia SUV with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Undersheriff Nathan Alger says, "The tellers did a good job keeping cool and were able to provide information about suspect that lead us to an identity early on."
The FBI, Michigan State Police, and Grand Traverse County Sheriff''s Office evacuated nearby businesses and homes. Kingsley Schools were also put on lockdown as a precaution while a bomb sniffing dog searched the property. No bomb was found.
Investigators located the suspect's vehicle at Turtle Creek Casino a short time later.
Undersheriff Nathan Alger says, "We were able to put plain clothed officer inside the casino and we watched him. When he left the building we arrested him without incident."
The suspect is being questioned and charges in the case are expected soon.
This is the third robbery in Grand Traverse County in the past month.
