Crook Makes Explosive Threat In Maspeth Heist
Claiming to armed with a bomb, a note-carrying crook got away with a bag full of cash from a Maspeth bank during a heist last Wednesday afternoon, Apr. 18, according to police.
Law enforcement sources released last Friday, Apr. 20, surveillance camera images of the suspect, who held up the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank main branch at 56-18 69th St. last Wednesday at around 5:45 p.m.
The bandit is described by police as a caucasian male between 18 and 20 years of age, weighing between 140 and 170 lbs. and wearing sunglasses and a black hat.
Reportedly, the crook entered the branch and, upon approaching the counter, handed to a teller his demand note, which stated that he had a bomb in his possession.
After the bank employee handed him a sum of money, police said, the suspect stuffed the cash into a Modell’s bag and then fled from the scene. He was last observed heading southbound on 69th Street toward Grand Avenue.
Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the scene. No explosive devices were found at the scene, and no injuries were reported.
Despite a search of the surrounding area, law enforcement sources noted, no immediate arrests were made.
The suspect was last observed wearing a white collared button down shirt, a dark zippered jacket and a white/black batting glove on his right hand, according to authorities.
Members of the 104th Precinct Detective Squad and the NYPD Major Case Squad are conducting the ongoing investigation, police said.
Anyone with any information regarding the heist or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to call the 104th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-386-2735 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Information may also be sent to Crime Stoppers via text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.
