CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Charleston police are investigating a bank robbery they believe may be connected to a bomb threat at three schools.

According to a news release from the Charleston Department of Public Safety, about 11:20 a.m. Thursday, the department received a call about a bomb threat at three local schools.

While officers were investigating the bomb threats -- which proved to be unfounded -- police received a report that two men had entered Citizens Bank, 207 E. Commercial St., where they displayed handguns, demanded money and fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash, the release stated.

Police suspect the bomb threat was diversionary tactic to keep officers busy during the robbery, which the FBI is helping investigate, the release stated.

The schools were evacuated until about 2 p.m. while the SEMO Bomb Squad helped Charleston police officers search the schools for explosives, the release stated.

Anyone with information about the robbery or bomb threats is asked to call Charleston police at (573) 683-3737.

Pertinent address:

207 E. Commercial St., Charleston, MO