Just days after a Chase bank in Setauket was robbed by someone wearing a Darth Vader costume Suffolk County Police are investigating a robbery that took place today at a Chase bank in West Babylon. This time the bank robber had a simulated bomb strapped to his back. The Police are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers with any information regarding these robberies.
Suffolk County Police Major Case detectives are investigating the robbery of a Chase bank branch in West Babylon by a man who had a simulated bomb strapped to his body.
A man entered the bank, located at 733 Sunrise Highway, at 9:40 a.m. today and showed the branch manager what appeared to be an explosive device strapped to his body and demanded cash. The man was given cash and he fled through the back door of the bank and was last seen on foot headed east toward Hubbards Path.
The man discarded the device behind the shopping center where the bank is located and it was discovered by a Suffolk County police officer. Officers from the Emergency Service Section responded and determined the device was a simulated bomb.
The man was described as white, between 50 and 60 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall with a thin to medium build. He was clean-shaven with short, graying hair. He was wearing a pinstriped suit jacket, which was recovered at the scene.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.