Ex cop almost drives into bank robber

File photo / Martin Sykes

Former Kawerau police sergeant Tony Moller had to slam on his brakes to avoid an armed bank robber fleeing the scene of his crime.

At 3pm on Tuesday a man described as an olive-skinned Maori or Pacific Islander went into the BNZ bank in Kawerau.

Whakatane detective Shane Tailby said the man handed a teller a note demanding money.

"He left the bank with an amount of cash and was last seen running down an alleyway from Onslow St into Robinson St," Mr Tailby said.

Mr Moller said he was driving along Onslow St when a man ran directly into his path.

"If I hadn't slammed on my brakes, I would have definitely collected him," Mr Moller said.

He said he instantly realised the man's behaviour was odd.

"I saw him come out of the bank at 90 miles an hour and wondered if a cheque had bounced or something."

A teller came out of the bank and told Mr Moller they had been robbed.

"I jumped out of my car and gave chase up the alleyway where I had seen him heading but he had already gone," Mr Moller said.

The former policeman is adamant he would recognise the robber again.

"I got a good look at his face for sure."

Police have described the man as clean shaven, 172cm in height and thinly built and between 20 and 30.

He was wearing a grey hoodie with light grey vertical stripes, and the hood was tied tightly around his head so only his face was visible. He was also wearing dark blue jeans and white sneakers.

If anyone saw this man or knows anything about the aggravated robbery please contact Whakatane police on (07) 308 5255 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.