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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Big Reward Offered In Bank Heist Information Sought In 2 Robberies, Bombings

An “unprecedented reward” of $115,000 is being offered to anyone who helps solve two Spokane Valley bank robberies and their companion bombings.

Authorities announced the bounty Wednesday and noted it is being offered because of the “severe and adverse impact” the crimes have had on the region.

The FBI also released a composite sketch of a bearded man who witnesses said drove a stolen van from the scene of last Friday’s robbery.

The abandoned van - rigged with a propane firebomb that malfunctioned - later was found in a University City parking lot.

The reward “is being offered for information that leads to the resolution of either or both of the bank robberies and bombings,” said a statement from the Justice Department.

There have been no arrests.

Last Friday’s robbery netted about $40,000 - half what was taken in the April 1 heist, according to informed sources.

Moments after the bombings at the Valley office of The Spokesman-Review on April 1 and Planned Parenthood on Friday, armed masked men invaded the U.S. Bank branch at Sprague and Mullan.

A bomb was set off in the bank during the April robbery.

During Friday’s holdup, a bomb-like device was carried into the bank but was removed by the fleeing gunmen, dressed in paramilitary clothing.

U.S. Bank is donating $100,000 to the reward fund because of the continuing threat to its employees, customers and the public, said Spokane County Sheriff John Goldman.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms each are offering $5,000, as is The Spokesman-Review.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: A New Robbery Suspect

MEMO: Anyone with information about the bombings or robberies can call the FBI in Spokane at (509) 747-5195 or Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Anyone with information about the bombings or robberies can call the FBI in Spokane at (509) 747-5195 or Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.