UPDATED: Police capture man who allegedly robbed north Corbin bank

A man who allegedly robbed a branch bank in north Corbin this afternoon is in custody following a intense search effort by police.

Kentucky State Police and deputies with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department took the man – identified by sources close to the News Journal as Michael Smallwood – into custody at about 2:15 p.m. Friday, a short time after he allegedly robbed First National Bank, located on Cumberland Gap Parkway in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Authorities say he took approximately $32,000 from the bank.

Smallwood, of Corbin, allegedly entered the bank and claimed to be armed. He took money and fled, supposedly dropping a dye pack placed with the money. He was spotted headed into a wood line behind Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Police focused their search in the area and captured the man in the woods between Florence Ave. and the railroad tracks.

Authorities believe he was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol at the time of the robbery.

Police believe Smallwood is likely the same person who they were searching for late Thursday night and early Friday morning following reports that he fired a gun at some people behind Wal-Mart.

Check back often to www.thenewsjournal.net for information as this story develops.