A man Monday reportedly fired multiple shots in an armed robbery at a downtown Chattanooga bank.
Shots were reported around 10:30 a.m. at the Regions Bank on Market Street. The suspect fled on foot less than 10 minutes later, according to scanner traffic.
No one was shot or injured during the attempted robbery, Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said at the scene. An "undisclosed amount of money" was stolen from the bank and the suspect had an "AK shotgun," police said.
"There indeed was some rounds fired," Murphy said. "It looked like an attempt to threaten personnel inside the bank."
Police believe the suspect is a white or light-skinned man around 25 years old. He was seen wearing all black and had his face covered, police said. He left the bank on foot in an unknown direction before police arrived, according to the scanner.
The incident closed Market Street between Eighth and Sixth streets for around 30 minutes Monday morning. The Regions building was placed on lockdown, and other businesses in the area were told to stand in place, Murphy said.
"Our teams are working closely with law enforcement in support of the investigation, and we deeply appreciate the quick and thorough response of nearby officers," Regions Bank spokesman Jeremy King said in a statement Monday. "All our associates are safe, and no customers were in our branch at the time."
The Hamilton County Courthouse, directly across the street from the bank, was locked down for more than an hour. Anyone inside was told they could not leave, and people set to be dismissed from jury duty were sent to another room to wait before being released. People were also barred from entering the Courthouse for around an hour.
The lockdown was lifted around 11:30 a.m.
Police asked anyone with information to call 423-698-2525 or submit a tip via the Atlas One App. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Staff writer La Shawn Pagán contributed to this report.
Contact Ellen Gerst at egerst@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6319.