Armed man robs St. Paul bank, shoots at guard

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a St. Paul bank Wednesday afternoon, in which the suspect allegedly fired shots at an off-duty police officer before fleeing the scene.

St. Paul police spokesman Andy Skoogman said the masked suspect entered Park Midway Bank at 2300 Como Avenue at about 2:30 p.m. with a handgun.

The suspect allegedly took a female teller hostage inside the bank, and then took her with him as he fled the bank. Police say the teller was able to escape, and ran back inside the building.

An off-duty St. Paul police officer who was working at the bank as a security guard chased after the suspect, police said. The suspect allegedly fired more than one shot at the off-duty officer. No one was injured, and the off-duty officer did not return fire, according to police.

Skoogman said police believe the suspect fled the area in a vehicle.

"We believe we have a pretty good idea of who we're looking for," he said.

Police officers are searching the area for the handgun and other evidence.