Suspect Arrested After Firing Rifle Inside Phoenix Bank and Fleeing in Van

A man faces federal charges after allegedly firing a rifle into the ceiling during an armed robbery at a Phoenix Chase Bank on Monday afternoon. Federal officials identified the suspect as Calvin Eklund, who is accused of stealing approximately $2,118 before being apprehended by police following a highway pursuit.

According to court documents, Eklund entered the bank around 12:30 p.m. carrying a small dog. He allegedly shouted a verbal threat announcing the robbery and fired a single shot from a rifle into the ceiling. No injuries were reported during the incident. Eklund then allegedly demanded money from a teller, who placed the cash into the suspect's bag.

Officials said Eklund fled the scene in a white Ford van. A Phoenix Police Department helicopter located the vehicle, and officers pursued it onto Interstate 17. An officer in a patrol cruiser deployed a 'grappler' device to safely stop the van about 15 minutes north of Anthem. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered two rifles and a handgun.

Surveillance footage from the bank showed the suspect wearing cowboy boots, a dark long-sleeve shirt, shorts, and a red baseball cap with 'TRUMP' written on the front, matching the clothing Eklund wore when arrested. Federal officials stated that Eklund admitted to the robbery after being taken into custody, telling police he 'snapped' and was struggling with several mental health conditions. He now faces charges of bank robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime.