Gunman Opens Fire on Armored Car

A gunman wearing camouflage clothing and a gas mask opened fire on an armored car outside a bank in West Blocton, then fled into woods booby trapped with pipe bombs. It was the fourth armored car assault in the area in six years. No serious injuries were reported, and no money was taken as the gunman fired rapid rounds at the bulletproof glass of the Loomis-Fargo security vehicle. Authorities said the gunfire was an apparent attempt to draw police officers or pursuers into the woods. Officers retreated from the woods when they saw a device that looked like an explosive, calling in state and federal bomb experts and investigators. Four pipe bombs were found.