Robbery Unsuccessful but It Causes a Stir

A would-be bank robber’s claim that he was armed with a bomb forced the closure Monday of two major mid-city streets and the evacuation of several businesses, police said.

Bomb squad officers found a fake hand grenade, but no bomb, after searching the satchel carried by the suspect, who was arrested a short distance from Southern California Savings, Sgt. Larry Smith said.

The suspect, whose name was not immediately available, walked into the bank at Beverly Boulevard and Western Avenue about noon, told employees he had a bomb and demanded money.

The tellers refused and the man fled but was caught by police about a block away.

When the suspect continued to claim that he was carrying an explosive, bomb squad officers were called and police evacuated several surrounding buildings and blocked off both Western Avenue and Beverly Boulevard.