Authorities have now identified the suspect responsible for the Monday afternoon robbery of the First Southern State Bank in Leesburg, as Steven Thornberry.

Leesburg Police Chief Lanny Ransum says Thornberry is a native of Ft Payne – but he currently resides in Leesburg.

At this time the search for Thornberry continues, and Chief Ransum said that warrants have been signed for robbery.

Thornberry allegedly entered First Southern State Bank on Alabama Highway 68 around 2:00pm Monday, and handed the teller a note.  It remains unclear at this time, if Thornberry had any type of weapon, but employees say they did not see one.

Thornberry did manage to flee with an undisclosed amount of cash; leaving in a late-model, dark gray Mitsubishi Eclipse.

The suspect was last seen on Cherokee County Road 44, headed toward the Yellow Creek area.

Chief Ransum said a witness attempted to follow the man, but the suspect eluded him.

Thornberry apparently abandoned the Eclipse, and was picked up by an unidentified accomplice, in a reddish colored Nissan Maxima; authorities have recovered the original getaway vehicle.

Investigators with the Leesburg Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office and the FBI are continuing to seek information concerning Thornberry’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Leesburg Police Department at (256) 526-8888 or the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at (256) 927-9999.