These two photos clearly show the unidentified suspect during the commission of Tuesday's robbery at First Community Bank, Sweet Springs. He is described as a white male, late 30s, about six feet tall, 225 pounds, with a receding hairline. He has a double lightning bolt tattoo on the right side of his neck. (Contributed photos) [Click to enlarge]

Meanwhile, the bank announced it was open for business as usual Wednesday.

"Our doors are open, and all of our employees are here ready to conduct business," said Executive Vice President and Regional Manager Dana Cass.

"We're very proud of the way (our employees) handled the situation. We have very detailed security training and procedures. They recalled their training perfectly and followed those procedures to a 'T.' We're so glad that no one was hurt."

Cass said federal guidelines require the bank to close the lobby after such incidents until authorities can fully investigate and process the scene.

The drive-through lanes re-opened at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and an ATM was accessible at the Break Time convenience store in Sweet Springs.

"Serving our customers is our greatest priority," Cass said. "We certainly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers. Unfortunately, it was necessary to close the lobby for the rest of the afternoon."

Cass said First Community Bank officials are cooperating fully with local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to pass along any information that may be helpful in locating the thief.

She also stressed that customers should not be concerned about the safety of their assets.

"We operate with only a limited amount of accessible cash, and of course, vaults at our locations remain secure," Cass said, adding that insurance covers losses due to theft.

Bank officials have not specified how much money the robber made off with; it's believed it was a substantial sum.

The unidentified suspect remained at large as of Thursday morning, April 10. Saline County Sheriff Wally George said pictures from the bank's security cameras would be distributed to local officers.

The suspect is described as a white male, late 30s, approximately six feet tall, about 225 pounds.

He has a "non-military" buzz haircut with a receding hairline, and is balding at the crown.

He has a plainly visible tattoo, possibly lightning bolts, above the collar on the right side of his neck.

Facial hair is described as scruff along the jaw line. The hooded sweatshirt the thief is wearing in the security camera photos was discarded; he was wearing a black or navy T-shirt underneath.

Area law enforcement officers said the suspect is believed to have escaped in a burnt-orange two-door sedan, possibly a Mercury Sable or Ford Taurus or other, similar car.

Anyone with information on either the subject or the vehicle should contact local law enforcement or call FBI Special Agent Curtis Bryant at 573-636-1805.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net