The public’s help is being sought as police investigate a bank robbery.

The heist at the Bank Rhode Island branch at 1047 Park Ave. occurred at approximately 12:38 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, according to a statement from Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist.

Employees of the bank told police that the suspect – described as a white male, standing between five feet, seven inches and six feet tall, with a white scarf partially covering his face – handed a teller a note indicating she would be shot unless she emptied the cash register.

The suspect fled toward the rear of the bank after receiving approximately $1,000 in cash, according to the chief’s statement. No employees or customers of the bank were hurt.

The suspect is described as having worn a black hooded jacket, jeans, white sneakers with black laces, a gray and red knit hat, and gloves.

Police have released surveillance images of the suspect, and are asking anyone with information regarding the suspect or the robbery to contact the Detective Division at 401-942-2211.

“If any member of the public encounters an individual matching the suspect in the bank surveillance photographs, do not approach and call 9-1-1 as the subject should be considered armed and dangerous,” the chief’s statement reads.