(Sept. 19, 2003) -- In a brazen, midday armed robbery in the heart of Bixby Knolls, bank robbers held up the Washington Mutual branch at Atlantic Ave. and Roosevelt Road, seized money from the bank, stole valuables from customers, fled in a stolen car...and as of this posting (Sept. 19 @ 9 a.m.) remain on the loose.

LBPD says at least three or perhaps four suspects -- one armed with a gun -- entered the bank at about 2:20 p.m. on Sept. 18. The armed suspect is the one believed to have leaped over a counter, forced employees to fork over cash, then stole personal items from two customers.

The suspects fled in a white Chevy Caprice (later determined to be stolen) found about five blocks away near 37th St. and Elm Ave. Police say no one was physically hurt in the holdup...and the suspects are (for the moment) at large.

It's unclear what mode of transportation the suspect used after ditching the car at 37th and Elm...and police are especially interested in hearing from anyone who saw anything that might be helpful on this.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact LBPD robbery detectives Steve Prell or John Mercado at (562) 570-7464.