A man suspected of a robbery and bomb threat in downtown Denver today has been arrested.
The suspect, identified as John Lee McMillen, 53, allegedly robbed the White Crown Federal Credit Union shortly before 11 a.m., leaving behind a backpack that he said had a bomb in it.
Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said McMillen was picked up inside the Nob Hill Inn, a bar at 420 E. Colfax Ave. about 1:30 p.m.
Jackson said money was taken during the heist but declined to say how much. He did not know whether a weapon was used during the robbery.
Within minutes of the robbery, Denver police, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and city marshals swarmed the area.
A bomb technician wearing in a heavy, protective suit entered the building. When he emerged, a robot was sent in to shoot water into the backpack.
The robot, a tall silver machine, was recently anointed Officer TNT after a contest by a group of students.
As many as 100 people were evacuated from the credit union, 1515 Cleveland Place, and the Denver courts that occupy the floors directly above the credit union, said Jackson. The courts were closed for the rest of the day.
McMillan was being held without bond in the Denver jail Tuesday night.
Traffic was shut down on Cleveland Place, 15th Street and westbound West Colfax Avenue near the Wellington Webb building. The streets reopened around 1 p.m.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
