Federal Charges Filed After Armed Bank Robbery in Phoenix Ends in Highway Arrest

A man faces federal charges after allegedly robbing a Phoenix bank at gunpoint, firing a shot into the ceiling, and fleeing with more than $2,000 on Monday afternoon. Authorities arrested Calvin Eklund shortly after the incident following a highway pursuit that ended on Interstate 17.

According to federal court documents, Eklund entered the Chase Bank at approximately 12:30 p.m. accompanied by a small dog. Officials said he shouted a threat announcing a robbery, fired a rifle once into the ceiling, and demanded money from a teller. No injuries were reported during the incident. The teller placed approximately $2,118 into Eklund's bag, and he fled the scene in a white Ford van.

A Phoenix Police Department helicopter located the fleeing van, allowing ground units to track the vehicle. A police officer in a cruiser utilized a "grappler" device to stop the van on Interstate 17, roughly 15 minutes north of Anthem. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered two rifles, a handgun, and the stolen cash. Bank surveillance footage matched Eklund's clothing at the time of his arrest, which included cowboy boots and a red baseball cap with "TRUMP" written across the front.

Following his arrest, Eklund allegedly confessed to the robbery, telling investigators he "snapped" and was struggling with several mental health conditions. Eklund is currently charged with bank robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime.