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Police: Man, Found Car Not Involved In Teller Shooting

Investigators Frustrated By Dead Ends In Case

POSTED: 4:49 pm EDT April 26, 2008
UPDATED: 4:53 pm EDT April 26, 2008

The investigation of Tuesday's bank robbery in which a pregnant teller was shot appears to be back at square one Saturday after a man who police were questioning was released.

The man, who drove a gold Dodge Intrepid similar to the getaway car seen leaving the scene at Huntington National Bank, 2030 N. Post Road, faces an unrelated drug charge, but police said neither he nor the car was involved.


Slideshow: Police Seek Shooter

The latest setback in the investigation comes a day after several men were released when authorities determined that an informant had spun a false tale of their involvement.

Katherin Shuffield, 30, of Franklin, lost her unborn twins late Thursday and Friday. She was last reported in stable but critical condition at Methodist Hospital.

Neighbors told 6News that Shuffield and her husband, Jason, had been trying to conceive for several years.

"They want so bad to have kids," said Edgar Berec, a friend of the victim. "He loves kids. He likes to play with my kids. He likes to play with my neighbor's kids. He was really excited."

Police said the entire Indianapolis Metro Police Department has been tasked with catching those responsible for the robbery and shooting.

Police asked anyone with information to call 317-262-TIPS.

Bank Releases Statement Of Sympathy

Huntington National Bank released a statement of support for Shuffield Friday:

"We are deeply saddened for what Katherin and her family are going through. This incident and their loss have had an enormous effect on every Huntington associate. While most of us have not experienced this kind of loss, as parents, relatives or friends we can only imagine the pain and suffering this incident has caused. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to Katherin and her family."

"No amount of time will replace the loss of their unborn children. We hope that Katherin's physical recovery comes quickly. To Katherin and her husband, Jason, you are in our thoughts and prayers. To their parents and family also experiencing their pain -- we share your sorrow and, too, keep you in our prayers."

"This was a senseless and vicious act. Huntington pledges our full support of the Indianapolis Police and FBI in identifying and convicting the responsible party. To aid in that process, Huntington is working with Crime Stoppers to ensure adequate funding for a reward for information that leads to the arrest of the assailant. Additionally, we've set up a fund at Huntington in Katherin's name to lessen any financial burden she may incur. We thank our customers and the community for the outpouring of support that already has been expressed."

Robbery Details

Police said the gunman entered the bank at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday while one customer and three employees were inside. Though no one resisted, the gunman went over the teller counter and shot Shuffield, police said.

After Shuffield was shot, witnesses told police, the robber grabbed cash from some drawers and fired a bullet at an empty chair before exiting the bank. A block to the west, at least one person saw him enter the passenger side of a gold, late-model Dodge Intrepid with dull, worn paint, police said.

The Intrepid sped away and a new, bright blue Honda Pilot SUV followed, the witness said, prompting police to wonder whether the SUV's occupants were linked to the robber. Information about how much money the robber took wasn't available.

Witnesses described the shooter as black, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 215 pounds. He was wearing a blue stocking cap, a dark face covering, a gray jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes with light-colored heels, witnesses told police. Police said he also wore sunglasses and teal surgical gloves and was carrying a 9 mm gun.

Though the gunman's face was covered, authorities developed a sketch of him based on witness descriptions and released it Tuesday night. Police also released pictures of two vehicles similar to the ones they're seeking in connection with the incident.

A benefit fund for Shuffield was established. Donations can be made to:

Katherin Shuffield Benefit Fund
c/o Huntington Bank, Attn: Main Office Branch
45 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204


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