Santander Bank at 37-10 Broadway (Google Maps)
Dec. 2, 2019 By Allie Griffin
A Sunnyside man is in critical condition after stealing thousands in cash from an Astoria bank and then falling from an elevated subway platform Saturday, according to reports.
Michael Stathis, 34, was arrested Saturday after stealing $3,055 from a Santander Bank at 37-10 Broadway in Astoria, police said.
Stathis passed a note demanding money to a bank teller, which said “My mom is sick. Need money for my mom, it’s going to be quick,” at around 12:20 p.m. The teller handed over the cash and the Sunnysider fled westbound on Broadway, cops said.
He entered a nearby N/W subway station to escape the police that were swarming the area. He was spotted by officers who chased him to the end of the platform. Stathis tried to escape by climbing down a support pole, but lost his footing and fell to the sidewalk below, according to reports.
The 34-year-old suffered head trauma and was rushed to NYC Health & Hospitals/ Elmhurst in critical condition.
He was arrested soon after for robbery in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property, police said.
