FOLEY, Ala. — An apparent bank robbery and hostage situation Tuesday afternoon at the Wachovia Bank on Highway 59 in Foley turned out to be nothing more than a hoax.

According to Foley Police Chief David Wilson, 911 received a call from a male subject who claimed to be robbing the bank and had hostages.

Local law enforcement and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call with “normal bank robbery procedures.”

Law enforcement surrounded the bank, diverted traffic and searched inside but found nothing.

After discovering there was no robber or hostages, Wilson said officials across Baldwin and Mobile Counties were alerted the call may have been a diversion. That turned out not to be the case.

Wilson said employees and customers had no idea what was going on when police arrived on scene.

An investigation is ongoing. If the culprit is found Wilson said he will be charged with “every charge we can think of.”

Details will be provide as they become available.