MONROE, Mich. -- Police are on the lookout for a man who robbed a Monroe bank Tuesday morning and another bank a week ago.

Police said they believe Anthony Ray Artrip flashed a small handgun and robbed the Monroe Bank and Trust Branch on North Monroe Street and Cole Road. Artrip is also a suspect in a bank robbery at a National City branch a week ago, said police.

Investigators said they believe he may be responsible for several other bank robberies out of state.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said Artrip fled the parking lot in a red Ford truck that was reported stolen from Friendly Ford in Monroe. The vehicle later was recovered on a nearby road.

Police have launched a full-scale investigation. Officers began searching cars in and out of the Pointe Aux Peaux area at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The car searches continued Wednesday.

“I live right next to the swamp, which is where he supposedly was and they were trying to look around and find him,” said Kelly Rutherford, who lives in the searched area. “We had the cops come in the yards and search the yards and everything.”

Authorities asked residents to remain in their homes unless they have to leave.

“I went and locked every window and every door in my house, and pulled all my curtains,” said Patrice Lehman, after police searched her car.

Artrip is described as being about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds with short brown hair and a small mustache.

He has a large tattoo on his stomach. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans and a tan ball cap and carrying a green canvas-style bag with green handles.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530.