HOUSTON — A man was detained Thursday after police said he tried to rob a bank in west Houston, according to police.
Houston police said the incident happened at the Chase bank in the 10400 block of Westheimer Road, just outside the Beltway.
Around 4:15 p.m., police said a man, identified as Tyrie Alexander, entered the bank, approached a teller and said he had a bomb. Police said he also flashed a pistol from under his jacket. When the teller walked away from the counter, the suspect started walking toward the exit.
Officers in the area responded quickly and were able to confront the suspect before he left the bank.
When an officer approached the suspect and attempted to detain him, police said a struggle ensued and the suspect ran out of the bank. During a struggle in the parking lot, a loaded pistol fell from the suspect's clothing, police said. The suspect was then taken into custody.
One of the officers said she smelled a chemical odor on the suspect. She was taken to an area hospital as a precaution.
Police said a bottle was found in the suspect's truck at the scene, but no dangerous chemicals were found.
Alexander was arrested and charged with bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and interference with interstate commerce by means of threat of an explosive.