Ozone Pk. Man Robbed F.H. Branch
The suspect behind a pair of armed bank heists in Forest Hills and Glen Oaks which occurred only hours apart on the same day last month was tracked down by police last Wednesday, May 9, and booked for the capers, it was reported.
John D. Lopez of 109th Avenue in Ozone Park was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery for the Apr. 26 stickups.
Based on information obtained during their investigation, law enforcement sources noted, detectives also charged Lopez for allegedly attempting to rob a Bank of America branch in Flushing, but walked away empty-handed after apparently getting cold feet.
That caper, according to police, took place at noon on Apr. 23 at the branch located at 39-12 Main St. Reportedly, Lopez walked into the bank, approached a teller and verbally demanded money.
Seconds later, authorities noted, Lopez allegedly backed away from the counter and fled from the scene on foot, heading southbound on Roosevelt Avenue. The incident was later reported to the 109th Precinct.
The following Thursday, Apr. 26, Lopez allegedly visited the Chase bank located at 99-00 Metropolitan Ave. near 70th Road in Forest Hills at 1:30 p.m., police stated. He reportedly approached a teller, handed a demand note and displayed a black firearm.
After receiving an undetermined sum of money, law enforcement sources noted, the suspect fled from the scene on foot.
One hour later, according to authorities, Lopez allegedly arrived at a Capital One bank located at 252-25 Union Tpke. and held up the location at gunpoint in the same manner. Reportedly, he received an undisclosed sum of money after displaying a firearm and presenting a demand note.
Lopez was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery and an additional count of attempted robbery, police said.
