Deputies search for man who robbed Hilmar bank

A man in a black hat robbed a Hilmar bank Monday afternoon and was last seen fleeing on foot toward Lander Avenue, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The man entered the Farmers & Merchants Bank on First Street in Hilmar just after 3 p.m. He waited in line and then handed a female bank teller a note, Detective-Sgt. Chuck Hale told the Sun-Star.

It was unclear exactly what the note said, but the teller realized it was a robbery and believed the suspect may have been armed with a gun, though no firearm was seen, Hale said.

Deputies declined to comment on the amount of cash stolen from the bank.

“His mannerisms and the way he held his hand in his pocket or near his waist gave (the teller) the impression he may have been armed,” Hale said in a telephone interview.

Investigators released an image captured by a security camera of the robber. The image shows a white male wearing a black zip-up hooded sweatshirt, a dark-colored shirt and gray pants. He also is seen wearing a black baseball-style cap with a white-mesh back, according to deputies.

No injuries were reported. No vehicles were seen leaving the bank.

Detectives are hoping someone from the public will recognize the man depicted in the image and contact the Sheriff’s Office.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 6:27 PM with the headline "Deputies search for man who robbed Hilmar bank."