Armed bank robbery reported in Garner; suspect at large, investigation ongoing

The Garner Police Department is investigating a reported armed robbery at the Bank of America on Benson Road Friday morning, law enforcement sources said. Police said the suspect implied they had a firearm during the incident, but no injuries were reported.

According to WRAL, “The Garner Police Department is investigating a reported armed robbery the Bank of America on Benson Road Friday morning.” WRAL added that “Police said the suspect implied they had a firearm during the incident.” Officers arrived to find the scene cleared; “the suspect fled the scene before police got there. No one was injured,” WRAL reported.

Local responders established a security perimeter and launched an active search. WRAL wrote, “Just after 9:30 a.m., officers were securing the perimeter and using a K-9 to search for the suspect.” WTVD corroborated the scene actions, reporting that “Officers are securing the perimeter and using a K-9,” and that the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Authorities have not released a suspect description or confirmed how the suspect left the area. WTVD reported the suspect “left the scene before authorities arrived, either on foot or in a car,” noting that the mode of departure is unconfirmed. CBS17/WNCN summarized the situation similarly: “An investigation is underway after a reported armed robbery at a bank in Garner on Friday morning, police said.” A local radio outlet also reported the robbery and the same operational details, noting the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is assisting and that more details will be released as the investigation progresses.

For residents of Garner and Wake County, the incident underscores immediate security concerns along the Benson Road corridor and for local banking customers. Even without reported injuries, an implied firearm raises questions about bank safety protocols, surveillance coverage, and law enforcement resource allocation. Banks typically reassess security measures after an incident like this, which can translate into increased security presence, changes to branch hours, or investment in additional cameras and alarm systems. Local businesses and residents may also feel a short-term shift in perceived safety, potentially affecting morning traffic patterns and foot traffic near the branch.

This remains an active investigation. As WTVD noted, “This remains an active investigation and more details will be released soon.” Reporting compiled from WRAL (posted Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:49 p.m., updated 3:26 p.m.), WTVD (posted Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:48 p.m.), CBS17/WNCN, 106.1 FM talk, and a Fox News Clips video. Authorities have not reported arrests or released additional suspect details as of these reports; residents should expect updates from the Garner Police Department as the investigation continues.