Armed bank robbery suspect shot, killed by Montgomery County police in Silver Spring identified

SILVER SPRING, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Authorities have identified a man who was shot and killed by a Montgomery County police officer after they said he attempted to rob a Silver Spring bank Wednesday morning.

The Montgomery County Police Department identified the suspect as 31-year-old Mikyas Mehary Tegegne. Officials said Tegegne walked into the BB&T Bank in the 1100 block of Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring near the Silver Spring Metro station and told a manager he had a bomb in his backpack.

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Tegegne then showed the employee a handgun and demanded $20,000, according to authorities. The manager walked over to the teller station as if to retrieve the money but triggered the panic button, according to police.

Officials said Tegegne fled the bank without any money and ran into a back alleyway near the Silver Spring Metro station where he was confronted by an officer, identified as Christopher LaPointe, who has been with the department for two-and-a-half years.

After a confrontation, authorities said LaPointe shot Tegegne.

Tegegne was rushed to the hospital where he died, according to officials. Police said LaPointe was not injured during the confrontation.

Per protocol, LaPointe has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation into the shooting.

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Investigators said they believe Tegegne also committed a robbery at the Sandy Spring Bank located at 8401 Colesville Road on Christmas Eve.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call (240) 773-5070. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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