Bank robbery suspect found hiding in pond in West Columbia

WEST COLUMBIA, TX (KTRK) -- A suspected bank robber was caught trying to hide in a pond in West Columbia Thursday, say police.

Investigators say Michael Clack, 35, walked into the Prosperity Bank at 510 E. Brazos Avenue, fired a shot into the air and screamed for everyone to get on the ground. He then reportedly got on a teller's booth and told employees to fill a duffel bag with money.

Police say Clack got away with around $18,600, then went out the back of the bank and jumped into a Ford Explorer. At some point, he jumped out and fled on foot.

A perimeter was set up around the area police believed Clack was hiding. Led by search dogs, police found him in a pond not far from the bank.

Police say Clack refused to get out, so officers went in the pond to get him. They say they later found the money hidden inside a tire in the same pond in which he was hiding.

No one was hurt.