Bank robbers wanted after opening fire during getaway

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two bank robbers opened fire at a witness as they sped away from the scene of the crime, and authorities are trying to track them down.

Shortly before 11am Friday, two men robbed the J.P. Morgan Chase Bank branch at 1441 West Bay Area Boulevard at gunpoint. Police say the first robber jumped the bank counter and demanded cash, while the second armed man remained in the lobby with his gun pointed at tellers and customers.

While inside the bank, one of the robbers kicked in a door causing minor injuries to a customer. No one else was physically injured during the robbery.

According to police, the armed robbers left the area in a stolen white Dodge Intrepid. A short distance away from the bank, the armed robbers abandoned the Dodge and got into a silver crossover-style SUV. During the getaway, police say the robbers rolled the window down and fired gunshots in the direction of a witness. The witness was not harmed.

One robber was described as a black male, about 6'0" tall with a slim build. The other was described as a black male with a medium build. Both were armed with handguns and wore bandanas around their faces to conceal their identities

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of these robbers. If you have information about this case, please call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or the Houston Field Office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.