Athens, Ohio, Police Department – At approximately 11:15 this morning a suspect entered the Citizens Bank at 20 West Stimson Ave. armed with a handgun and robbed the bank of an as yet to determined amount of money.  The suspect entered the bank and jumped the counter, threatening employees with what appeared to be a dark colored handgun.

After taking money the suspect fled the bank on foot running west bound.  Video footage from the area shows a possible suspect vehicle as a dark colored 2007-2011 Nissan Versa with an unknown license plate.

The suspect is believed to be a white male and was wearing a red or pink hat and what appeared to be a skin tight light tan mask with dark glasses over top and a dark colored jacket with a red color. He appears to also have on gloves with some sort of design on the back of the hand.

Anyone with information concerning this robbery can call Lt. Jeff McCall at the Athens Police Department at (740) 592-3315 or (740) 592-3313.

The outdoor emergency warning sirens in Nelsonville, The Plains and New Marshfield will be tested at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, with a one minute sounding of the sirens. Residents are asked not to call local emergency agencies inquiring why the sirens are sounding.

The outdoor warning siren system is normally tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The monthly test will be cancelled if severe weather is threatening. If severe weather cancels the test it will be postponed until the next month. There are three conditions that result in the warning sirens being activated in Athens County.

1. Severe Weather
   1. When the National Weather Service initiates a Tornado Warning for an area that includes areas of Athens County.
   2. When the National Weather Service initiates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (winds 58+ mph, large hail, severe lightening, and heavy rains), for an area that includes areas of Athens County.
2. When there is an actual enemy or terrorist attack against the United States has been detected and is threatening areas of Athens County and protective action should be taken immediately.
3. When a public safety emergency occurs, the sirens will be used to alert the public of emergencies such as hazardous materials incidents and civil disturbances.

When the outdoor warning sirens are sounded for an emergency they will be activated for five minutes. When you hear the warning sirens you should do the following;

1. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 to ask why the sirens are sounding as this can overload the 9-1-1 emergency response system.
2. Remember, outdoor warning sirens are just that, out-door warning. The sirens are meant to be heard outside to signal you to go indoors and tune your radio or television station to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) Station. As homes continue to become more energy efficient and sound proofing enhanced, outdoor warning sirens that once could be heard decades ago inside of a home can no longer be heard. That’s why other means of warning are in place.
3. Go immediately to a safe area in your home or building, if high winds, severe thunder, and lightning are present.
4. If you are outside away from possible shelter, lie flat on the ground away from trees until the storm passes. If in a vehicle, get out and find a more substantial structure.
5. Carry a battery-operated radio or NOAA all hazard alert radio to your safe area. You will know when the storm or emergency has passed and when it is clear to leave your safe area.
6. The Athens County SIRENS DO NOT identify specific types of storms or emergencies; therefore, you should immediately seek shelter and tune to local television or radio for further information.