Downtown Kingston was closed to traffic and ferries were delayed as law enforcement searched for a man who robbed a Bank of America and made a bomb threat to employees.
Officers were called to the bank at 10943 NE State Highway 104 at about 12:30 p.m. Monday after the suspect fled, according to initial reports. The man is still at large.
The suspect allegedly told employees someone would watch the building and if law enforcement arrived or if anyone left within 90 minutes the bomb would be detonated.
The 12:50 p.m. ferry sailing from Kingston was held at the terminal for inspection by law enforcement. Ferry service resumed by 1:30 p.m. but 20 to 30 minute delays are expected for afternoon sailings, Washington State Ferries spokeswoman Susan Harris-Huether said.
Traffic was temporarily diverted away from downtown.
The search continues for the suspect, who was described by the bank’s alarm company as a 6-foot, white male with a blue baseball cap, blue eyes, blue jeans and a blue hooded sweatshirt beneath a blue parka. He had a mustache and beard, but initial reports said they may be fake.
Employees were beginning to evacuate the building minutes after the suspect left, walking west.
Officers with tracking dogs were called to the scene, and other officers were sent to cover ferry terminals.