Armed bank robbery in Capitola; suspect caught in front of elementary school

A 61-year-old man is in custody after an armed robbery in Capitola Saturday morning, according to the Capitola Police Department.

Richard Gene Blackman walked into a Bank of the West at 38th and Capitola Road at 9:14 a.m. with a loaded sawed-off shotgun and demanded money from a bank employee, police said. After Blackman obtained an undetermined amount of cash he kidnapped the employee by taking her out to her car and then ordering her to get inside and drive him away, police said.

The employee convinced Blackman to let her go and he drove off in her vehicle. The Capitola Police Department issued a county-wide notice for the stolen vehicle and the suspect.

Police said a Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle parked in front of Live Oak Elementary School. Police said Blackman was inside the car with the loaded shotgun. Blackman exited the vehicle threatening ”suicide by cop” several times, according to police. As Blacklman positioned himself to take his own life, police said the deputy grabbed Blackman and pulled him away from the shotgun.

The deputy requested assistance from several Santa Cruz Sheriff’s deputies, officers from the California Highway Patrol, and the Capitola Police Department.

Blackman was arrested and taken into custody without further incident, police said.

The shotgun, bank money and victim’s vehicle were recovered.

The FBI and Department of Justice are also assisting with the case.