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Suspect on the run after robbing bank near busy Huntersville shopping plaza

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — An armed man is still on the run after he robbed the First Citizens Bank off Gilead Road in Huntersville Wednesday afternoon.

[ALSO READ: Pair charged in connection with Charlotte Christmas Eve bank robbery]

Huntersville police released a surveillance image of the robber. Officers said he left the bank on foot around 3 p.m., heading north.

"It's crazy. It’s a very populated area. It's in the middle of the day, the police station is right down the road and the patrol around here is good,” Huntersville resident Jerry Goedert.

Police called off their ground search once the sun went down, but the investigation is far from over.

Officers said the man was wearing a hat and a T-shirt to cover his face when he walked into the bank.

"They had a neighborhood blocked off, checking people coming in and out,” Goedert said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Torrence Creek Elementary was placed on lockdown because of the nearby police activity. The bank is just over a mile away from the school.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene and saw several police officers in the bank's parking lot.

"I'm always aware, but I feel like the security of Huntersville, I've never felt threatened,” Huntersville resident John Lingyaj said.

Police haven't released any other information about the robbery. They're asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call 911.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

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