Two bank robberies reported within an hour this afternoon in Northampton, Lehigh counties

Police are responding to robbery reports in Hanover Township and Emmaus.

UPDATE: Emmaus bank robbery suspect in custody, police say; public's help sought

Police are investigating two bank robberies within an hour of each other in neighboring counties.

Authorities responded to a 11:33 a.m. robbery at Santander Bank, 1215 Chestnut St. in Emmaus, according to Lehigh County 911 dispatch. Another robbery was reported in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

A sign at the Emmaus bank said it was closed for an emergency and directed customers to take business to another branch. Two marked Emmaus police cruisers and an unmarked police vehicle were on scene this afternoon with at least one officer inside the bank.

There was no police tape up at the bank limiting customers access. A police officer said there were no injuries during the robbery.

Police at the scene would not comment but said a K-9 search was underway. Earlier scanner reports indicated authorities had a male suspect in custody.

Meanwhile, Colonial Regional police are reporting a robbery at National Penn Bank, 2400 Schoenersville Road in Hanover Township, Northampton County. That incident reportedly occurred about the same time.

Chief Roy Seiple said no one was injured during the robbery and the perpetrator fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. He threatened employees with a gun, but never displayed a weapon, according to the chief.

Seiple said the department would be releasing surveillance footage of the man they believe was responsible for the robbery.

A sign at the bank indicated it was closed due to an emergency and a barricade blocked customers from entering the bank parking lot. Police working on Statten Avenue, near the bank, said they were taking casts of footprints in the snow there.

Reporter Precious Petty and Photography Editor Sue Beyer contributed to this report.