Bank robbery suspect dies after jumping off Clay Wade Bailey Bridge

COVINGTON, Ky. - A 45-year-old man died after jumping off the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge following an alleged bank robbery Monday night.

The man allegedly robbed the Fifth Third Bank on West Fourth Street in Covington at about 6:30 p.m. Police say a Covington police officer spotted the suspect walking in downtown Covington and tried to talk to him. That's when the suspect took off and ran across the bridge to Ohio. The man then jumped off the bridge and died instantly, according to authorities.

Police say they found an undisclosed amount of cash on him from the bank and that he didn't appear to be armed. No one was injured in the robbery.

Nearby, Stadium Liquor cashier Jim Gallenstein said he knew something was going on when he heard several sirens.

"Not four of them going up the bridge at one time, unless there's a jumper, in this case that's what it was," he said.

He said customers talked about it all night as they came into the store on Monday.

While it is unclear whether the man tried to jump for the water or railroad tracks next to the bridge, he missed and hit the concrete. This was a disturbing scene for the officer who witnessed it all from the beginning.

"He is very upset," said Gary Lee, District 3 Captain for Cincinnati police. "It all unfolded right before his eyes. He's upset by the incident."

Police will not release the man's name until his family is notified.

No other information is available at this time.

The incident remains under investigation.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for updates.

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