Oakdale bank evacuated after bomb threat; man arrested

July 25, 2012 at 8:50PM

An item that a 45-year-old man used to threaten to blow up a bank Wednesday morning in Oakdale prompting an evacuation of the bank and several nearby businesses was determined to not be explosive, police said.

The suspect was subdued with a Taser and apprehended about 30 minutes after he walked up to the drive-through window of the Lake Elmo Bank at 600 Inwood Avenue N. at about 7:40 a.m., said police spokeswoman Michelle Stark.

The item left by the suspect was x-rayed by St. Paul bomb technicians who determined that it didn't contain incendiary or explosive materials.

Police are investigating the suspect's motive. While making his threat, the man demanded to speak with federal agents.

He was being held at the Washington County jail pending charges.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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