Updated 4:22 p.m.
Joplin police says bank employees managed to escape and call police without turning over any money to robbery suspect this afternoon.
The Joplin Police Department was called to the U.S. Bank on Range Line near Northpark Mall around noon Wednesday.
The 911 caller said a man had entered the bank, told tellers there was a bomb in the building and demanded money.
Police say while they were surrounding the scene Billy L. Appier, 71, of Cherokee, Kansas peacefully surrendered to police.
Cpl. Chuck Niess says although Appier was not carrying any sort of weapon and is in custody, there was still a threat of danger hours after the robbery.
"He made the threat of an explosive device," Cpl. Niess said this afternoon. "We're making 100% sure that there is no actual explosive device and checking the bank building, checking the surrounding area."
Police recently finished their sweep of the area.
SWAT teams from Joplin and Webb City P.D. were on hand during the search.
A police dog did successfully find Appier's car in the parking lot and no actual explosives were found.
Northpark Mall did not allow anyone to leave or enter at it's west doors.
Rangeline Road between 4th Street and Newman Avenue was closed from around noon to just after 4 p.m.
Appier is currently in custody awaiting the filing of formal charges.
Updated 4:00 p.m.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says north Range Line, from 4th to Newman remains barricaded following this afternoons attempted bank robbery.
They hope to reopen to traffic before 5 p.m.
Updated 3:37 p.m.
Police have released the name of the suspect in today's bank robbery attempt.
Billy L. Appier, 71, of Cherokee, Kansas is accused of trying to rob the U.S. Bank located in the parking lot of Joplin's Northpark Mall.
Updated 1:27 p.m.
A man is in custody after police say he tried to rob the U.S. Bank located in the parking lot of Joplin's Northpark Mall.
Just before noon, the man entered the bank and allegedly told bank employees an explosive device had been placed on the roof.
After receiving the call just before noon, Joplin police secured the area and the SWAT team was put into place.
The man surrendered to police at about 12:20 without incident.
A sweep of the parking lot was performed by the SWAT team.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
The suspect is currently in custody pending charges for 1st degree robbery.
Traffic on Rangeline from 4th to Newman was shut down due to the incident. At last report traffic was still being rerouted around the area.
Updated 12:23 p.m.
A man is in custody after attempting to rob the U.S. Bank located in the parking lot of Joplin's Northpark Mall.
More details to follow.
NINA CRISCUOLO contributed to this report
