ATLANTA -- A would-be robber cracked open the roof and front door of a bank Monday morning in southwest Atlanta.

The thief used an excavator stolen from a construction site to peel back part of the roof of the Suntrust bank in the 3100 block of Greenbriar Parkway.

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A passerby saw the suspect steal the heavy equipment, which is like a backhoe, but even more powerful.

The witness called 911.

The stunned witness told police he watched the suspect rumble up to the bank and rip open the roof and front door.

When police arrived, the suspect jumped from the excavator and took off running. Police nabbed him after a short chase.

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SLIDESHOW: Thief Cracks Open Bank With Backhoe

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The would-be bank robber is being held at the Fulton County Jail.

Two armed security officers are guarding the wide open entrance to the bank.