Medford police have identified the man they believe robbed the KeyBank branch near East Barnett Road and Black Oak Drive Thursday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the crime prompted an extensive search through south Medford. Detectives have identified the suspect as 44-year-old Anthony James Blank, established probable cause for his arrest and executed a search warrant at his residence. As of Friday morning, Blank had not been located and remained the subject of an active search.
The robbery occurred Thursday afternoon when a man entered the KeyBank branch, demanded money and fled before officers arrived. Police reported that no employees, customers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Officers responding to the robbery quickly established a search of the surrounding area, checking nearby businesses, parking lots, sidewalks and residential streets as they worked to determine the suspect’s direction of travel. The police response remained concentrated around the Barnett Road and Black Oak Drive corridor while investigators secured the bank and began processing the scene.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect left the area on an electric scooter after leaving the bank. That information became one of the earliest pieces of evidence available to detectives as officers searched the surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Medford Police released a physical description of the suspect and asked the public for assistance. Investigators described the man as a white male between 30 and 45 years old with a medium build and light-colored hair. According to police, he was wearing a white button-down shirt, a surgical mask and a baseball cap displaying a Taco Bell logo at the time of the robbery.
As the investigation progressed Thursday afternoon, detectives released surveillance photographs from inside the bank. Additional images were published later in the day, providing clearer views of the suspect as investigators sought information from the public that could assist in identifying him.
Detectives spent the remainder of the day reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and examining evidence collected from the bank. Those efforts resulted in investigators identifying Blank as the suspect Thursday evening.
After identifying Blank, detectives obtained a search warrant and searched his residence. Police reported that Blank was not at the home when officers arrived. Investigators now believe he may still be traveling on an electric scooter similar to the one reportedly used after the robbery.
Police have not released additional information describing what occurred inside the bank or disclosed how much money was taken during the robbery. Investigators also have not announced whether they believe anyone else may have assisted before or after the crime.
Although the suspect has now been identified, the investigation remains active. Detectives continue reviewing surveillance evidence, following leads and evaluating information received from the public as they work to locate Blank.
Authorities are asking anyone who sees Blank or knows where he may be to contact law enforcement immediately rather than attempting to approach him. Detectives say public assistance remains an important part of the investigation as officers continue searching for the suspect.
The investigation moved rapidly from an active robbery scene Thursday afternoon to the identification of a suspect before the end of the day. While detectives have now established the identity of the man they believe committed the robbery, the case remains open until the suspect is taken into custody and the investigation is completed.
