A teller at the Regions Bank on Augusta West Parkway talked a would-be robber out of holding up the bank Thursday, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's Maj. Ken Autry said a man who matched the description of a robber wanted in several area holdups approached the teller at about 10:17 a.m. and handed over a note demanding money. Maj. Autry said the teller warned the man that he would go to jail; he turned around and left.

"I don't know the exact words, but she discouraged him and he turned away," he said.

Investigators call the latest incident an escalation because it marks the first time the man has attempted to rob a bank since the spree began May 13. In the 10 previous holdups in Aiken, Richmond and Columbia counties, he has mainly robbed food and drug stores, according to police.

No weapon was shown during the robbery, but in several previous ones he was reported flashing a gun and a knife.

He is described as white and in his early 30s with brown hair and a medium build. According to FBI Agent Ed Reinhold, the robber should be considered dangerous.

Police from the Richmond, Columbia and Aiken sheriff's offices are conducting a joint investigation to nab the robber and are offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can help. Anyone with information is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1080.