An armed bank robber eluded an extensive search on land and from the air by state and local police yesterday after robbing the branch office of Carroll County Bank & Trust in Melrose, a tiny rural community north of Manchester and near the Pennsylvania border.

No customers were in the bank and the lone teller was not injured during the 1: 30 p.m. incident, state police said.

Tfc. Bill Corun from the state police's Westminster barracks said a man entered the bank and inquired about checking accounts about 1: 30 p.m., then produced a note demanding money.

After the man showed a small brown gun, the teller gave him an undisclosed amount of money, Corun said. The man left on foot, turning north on Wentz Road from the Route 30 branch office.

The suspect was tracked to a remote location along Wentz Road before a police dog lost his scent, Corun said.

Corun said the suspect was described as white, 25 to 30 years old, thin, about 5 foot 8 inches tall, with collar-length brown hair. Police said he looked as if he had not bathed in several days. He wore a gray and white pullover shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about the incident should call state police in Westminster at 410-386- 3000.

Pub Date: 8/18/99