An attempted bank burglary that happened just after an unrelated fire was apparently set at a townhouse complex stretched Stillwater police thin early Wednesday.
Five people are in custody after trying to break into the Eagle Valley Bank in the 1900 block of Washington Avenue N., just north of Hwy. 36, Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway said. The group, four adults and a juvenile, had smashed a window near the bank lobby, Gannaway said
"The deputy did an outstanding job -- he did a tactical smart approach and came up on them without them even knowing it," Gannaway said. The deputy nabbed one suspect at the bank, and other responding officers rounded up the rest nearby.
Stillwater police, Washington County sheriff's deputies and the Minnesota State Patrol responded about 4:30 a.m. to a burglar alarm at the bank.
Charges have not yet been filed, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
An hour earlier and about 1 1/2 miles away, a major fire broke out at the Birchwood Townhouse complex in the 14000 block of 62nd Avenue N., not far from the Washington County Government Center. It damaged more than a dozen units and displaced more than 50 people. Between the burglary, fire and other police incidents, Gannaway said, the help from other law enforcement agencies on a wild night was appreciated.
Arson is suspected in the townhouse blaze, Gannaway said. Fire departments from around the area responded to the fire, as residents found refuge in nearby First Presbyterian Church. The fire investigation is continuing.
JIM ANDERSON
