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Police: Masked gunmen rob north Charlotte Bank of America

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police circled the Bank of America on Arbor Creek Drive by air as dozens of officers on the ground scoured the area.

The bank was robbed by two masked gunmen just after 9:30 a.m. Monday, according to police.

Police said one man pointed a gun at a teller while the other jumped over the counter and snatched the money.

Police provided surveillance photos, which show the men dressed in dark hoodies, gloves and wearing ski masks.

The photos also show one man brandishing a handgun and the other clutching fistfuls of cash.

The men got away on foot.

Keith Sauve's van broke down right outside of the bank moments before the robbery.

He didn't see the escape, but he did witness the aftermath.

"There were about 30 to 40 police in cars and on dirt bikes," Sauve said. "It was a little nerve wracking especially when detectives were asking me questions because I didn't see anything so I couldn't help them out."

The bank was shut down while officers collected evidence. The crime halted Mary Ann Strickland's plans to stop by for a quick deposit.

"It's more frightening, I think, than frustrating," Strickland said.

It's also something people in the north Charlotte neighborhood said they just aren't used to seeing.

"We're newer to the area. Haven't had any issues since we moved in; this is the first time I've heard of anything like this close to home," neighbor Jeff Opalach said.

An officer on the scene said there were eight or nine people in the bank at the time. No one was hurt.

Call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or FBI Charlotte at 704-672-6100 if you have any information to identify the men

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