Teller foils Halloween bank heist in Sebastopol

Sebastopol police on Tuesday continued seeking the identity of the man wearing the fake nose, sunglasses, large beanie cap and oversized blazer who tried to hold up a bank on Halloween.

The man, who appeared to be dressed for Halloween, walked into a Wells Fargo branch on Bodega Avenue about 5 p.m., Sebastopol Officer Joe Furry said Tuesday, demanding a clerk give him $50 and $100 bills. When the clerk refused, he walked out.

He was last seen walking south toward High Street before disappearing into the greater downtown neighborhood.

Police searched the area but didn’t find him.

Officers initially considered whether the incident was a Halloween prank but are investigating it as an attempted robbery, Furry said.

The man didn’t appear to be armed and mostly kept his hands in his coat pockets. As well as the disguise, which included a flesh-colored plastic nose, he wore dirty, light-colored jeans, a black shirt and black boots. Employees believe he was possibly in his 20s and had facial acne, Furry said.

Police have released photos of the man, hoping for help from the public in identifying him. Furry asked anyone with information to contact officers at 707-849-4400. Callers may remain anonymous.

- Randi Rossmann