Bank robber steals ,000, arrested after attempting to steal more money.
A young man in Manhattan was apprehended for robbing a bank after a brazen yet unsuccessful attempt to commit a second theft. Elisha Gerald Roger, a 22-year-old resident of the Bronx, reportedly stole ,000 from a Citibank branch in Tribeca before attempting a subsequent robbery at a Chase bank nearby.
According to police reports, Roger entered the Citibank located on West Broadway at approximately 1:20 PM on Tuesday. He presented a handwritten note to a bank teller, which, although lacking proper punctuation, clearly conveyed his intentions. The note requested ,000 in cash—specifically in hundreds—while expressly stating, “Yes this is a robbery.” The phrase “no die money,” found within the note, referred to the dye packs often concealed within cash bundles, which can detonate during a robbery to mark the stolen money.
Following the successful theft, Roger fled the scene with the cash. About 20 minutes later, he attempted to rob a Chase bank situated on Broadway near Murray Street. He used the same handwritten note in his second attempt; however, he left that bank empty-handed. Law enforcement responded promptly and arrested him shortly thereafter at the intersection of West Broadway and Franklin Street.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during either incident. However, police noted that Roger’s original note threatened harm to any individuals who might contact law enforcement regarding the robbery, adding an alarming element to his crimes.
Authorities confirmed that the stolen funds from the initial robbery were later recovered. Roger is currently facing charges of robbery and has a prior criminal history, which includes eleven arrests, with his most recent charge being for drug possession last May.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of bank robberies in urban areas and the diverse tactics criminals employ. While the community remains on alert, the swift actions of law enforcement demonstrate the commitment to ensuring public safety and reducing crime in New York City.
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