MOSES LAKE, Wash.–A woman who attempted to rob a credit union here may have actually been kidnapped and forced to attempt the crime under threat of having a “bomb” that had been attached to her detonated.
According to police, the woman, 39, walked into a branch of Horizon Credit Union around 4:30 in the afternoon and was “visibly distraught,” immediately drawing the attention of employees. She claimed two males had taken her from in front of her home, Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Sands said.
One suspect was described as an African American male in his 30s with a mustache; the other was described as a Hispanic teenager. Employees exited the branch without incident.
Police said the suspects allegedly taped what appeared to be an explosive device to the woman, and then forced her to go into the credit union and demand an undisclosed amount of money.
The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team entered the building and attempted to give the woman a cellphone to set up communication. The woman removed the device and was taken into custody, police said.
The Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad confirmed no explosives were found.
The FBI is now investigating.