Police seek man in CdA bank robbery

Police say a man who robbed a Coeur d’Alene bank Wednesday morning also is suspected of trying to rob a Spokane Valley credit union less than an hour earlier.

The man is described as white, 6 feet tall, heavy-set and with thick reddish hair. He wore a striped shirt.

Secret Witness of Kootenai County is offering a cash reward for tips leading to his arrest.

Authorities say the man first attempted to rob Progressions Credit Union at 1507 N. Pines Road about 10:40 a.m.

The credit union has an ATM but no cash, according to a Spokane Valley police news release.

The US Bank at 1603 N. Fourth St. in Coeur d’Alene was robbed about 11:15 a.m. The FBI is in charge of that investigation.

Spokane Valley police said the suspect was wearing a blue polo shirt with white stripes and baggy, tan pants. Coeur d’Alene police said the suspect was wearing a brown, striped polo shirt.

Witnesses described a vehicle seen near the Spokane Valley credit union about 15 minutes before the attempted robbery as a white 1990s Dodge Caravan or a similar model, with heavy damage on the passenger-side front fender.

Lettering on the back windows said either “Idaho Wholesaling” or “Idaho Environmentalists.”

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call Spokane Valley police at (509) 242-TIPS, or Secret Witness of Kootenai County at (208) 667-2111 or (866) 667-2111.

Callers to Secret Witness use a code name or number and do not have to give their name to be eligible for the cash reward.