By Tom Tracy
In the end, a bank robber’s success or failure rests in this sound — ka-boom! That’s what one note-passing thief heard Thursday when the sack of loot he was carrying out of a Midwood bank suddenly exploded, covering his clothes in a bright-colored dye. As this paper went to press, cops had reportedly identified the bank robber, who ran off after ditching his clothes and the cash he stole from the Washington Mutual near the corner of Coney Island Avenue and Avenue J. Finding the man’s identity was pretty easy since, according to sources, the thief ran off in such a panic that he left his getaway vehicle behind. It was found just a few feet from the bank, reportedly parked at a meter. The car is reportedly owned by the thief, who was identified by a source as a resident of Canarsie. Witnesses told police that the unidentified male entered the bank at about 11 a.m. on January 4 and passed a threatening note to a teller. The teller gave the thief an assortment of cash, as well as a dye pack, which was triggered when it passes a sensor at the entrance to the bank. The first thing the thief heard was a small explosion. He then found himself bathed in paint, officials said. Although the thief may have been identified, investigators are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward. Tipsters, police said, could receive up to $2,000 for any information. Calls can be made to the NYPD CrimeStoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
