Armed robbery outside of Nordstrom in Corte Madera prompts lockdown

CORTE MADERA, Calif. - Authorities in Marin County responded  to a robbery at the Village at Corte Madera mall Tuesday morning.

Central Marin Police said they received a call at 9:54 a.m. of an armed robbery of a UPS truck at the loading dock of the Nordstrom store. Police said one victim was pistol whipped and sustained minor injuries during the course of the robbery. 

One suspect armed with a handgun escaped in a white van and is still on the loose. 

"Armed robberies in broad daylight just aren't common in our jurisdiction," said Theo Mainaris with the Central Marin Police Authority.

Mainaris said the entire Village at Corte Madera was placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. The scene was cleared around 11:30 a.m. and all employees were allowed back inside. 

"UPS is working with law enforcement to investigate the matter and find those responsible," UPS said in a statement. We're thankful the UPS driver is safe. We appreciate the willingness of area businesses and residents to share what they and their security cameras have seen. We defer to local law enforcement for further comment."

The store is located at 1870 Redwood Highway in Corte Madera. Numerous officers with guns drawn were on scene outside of the Nordstrom store.

KTVU spoke to an employee who says her manager called her just before 10:00 a.m. advising her not to come to work because of a gunman at the mall. 

A woman who answered the phone at the Boudin Bakery told KTVU the cafe was on lockdown at 10:15 a.m.