TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Police Department arrested a man accused of trying to rob a bank, claiming he had explosives on him.
Officers shared body worn video of the arrest online. In it, you can hear the man greeting police as if he worked there before lighting something on the counter on fire.
The department says someone called 911 after the man wandered into the Union Street bank, claiming to have a bomb.
All the employees evacuated, and the manager then locked the man inside until help arrived.
Officers quickly arrested him.
The department says this wasn’t the man’s only stop for the day. They say he started at a nearby department store where he set a fire, sprayed a fire extinguisher at surveillance cameras, stabbed a charging station and threatened employees.
Officers say the man then tried to steal a car nearby and when that didn’t work – he wandered into the bank.
The man has been booked into the Pierce County Jail for multiple felony charges.
"Set a fire. Tried to rob a bank. Greeted us like an employee. You can’t make this stuff up," the department said online.
Set a fire. Tried to rob a bank. Greeted us like an employee. You can't make this stuff up. The day started with a disturbance at a local department store—where a suspect set a fire, sprayed a fire extinguisher at surveillance cameras, stabbed a charging station, and threatened employees. Before officers could arrive, the suspect moved on and attempted to steal a car nearby. When that didn’t work, he decided he wanted to “work” at a nearby bank on Union Street. Once inside the bank, the suspect claimed to have a bomb, causing all employees to flee and lock the suspect inside. TPD officers arrived, located the suspect, and prepared to make entry. As they approached, the suspect looked up and asked, “How can I help you today?”—moments before setting a fire on the counter. Officers moved in and safely took the suspect into custody. He was booked into Pierce County Jail for multiple felony charges. Take a look! #tacomapd #gritcitycops
Posted by Tacoma Police Department on Friday, April 18, 2025
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