NY – Councilman David G. Greenfield praised Boro Park Shomrim and the NYPD for quickly apprehending an individual who attempted to rob a neighborhood bank for the second day in a row. The incident unfolded this afternoon outside Dime Savings Bank on 13th Avenue near 50th Street as the suspect, who claimed during the robbery that he was armed and had gotten away with $2,000 from the same bank yesterday, attempted to flee with $8,000 additional in stolen cash.
An individual making a meat delivery at a nearby store saw the suspect running down the sidewalk still wearing a ski mask and gloves and immediately yelled out “chaptzem” before alerting Shomrim and the NYPD. Following a huge response from both groups, the suspect was chased and caught by Shomrim members near 14th Avenue and 50th Street, just one block from the bank. He was taken into custody by the NYPD and is being held pending criminal charges.
“This is yet another example of the great team work that the Boro Park Shomrim and the NYPD do each day to keep our neighborhood safe. This community will not allow anyone to terrorize local businesses, let alone on consecutive days. Today’s work by our great volunteers and the outstanding men and women of the NYPD sends a clear message to criminals – stay out of Boro Park,” said Councilman Greenfield.
This isn’t the first time in recent years that Boro Park Shomrim members have apprehended an alleged bank robber near 13th Avenue. In 2010, the civilian watch group responded to an armed bank robbery at Apple Bank and played an instrumental role in bringing the armed suspect in that incident into custody.
“Our neighborhood is fortunate to have so many residents who take time out of their personal lives to help keep Boro Park and Midwood the safest neighborhoods in New York City. As they have shown many times in the past, Shomrim members do not hesitate before taking action to assist or protect their neighbors,” added Greenfield.
{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}
