Cops: Same Man Robbed Linden, Greenwich Banks
LINDEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Investigators believe the same man was behind bank robberies last month in Linden, N.J., and Greenwich, Conn. The Greenwich heist led to a SWAT team swarming a Metro-North train during an evening rush hour.
The robber struck at a Wells Fargo in Linden on Aug. 20 before hitting a People's United Bank in Greenwich eight days later, CBS 2's Tony Aiello reported Thursday.
Linden Police Capt. James Sarnicki believes the suspect is a professional, noting that he seems to dress according to the community he's in.
In upscale Greenwich, where the bank is next to a store selling European hunting clothes, the suspect wore a yellow fedora and matching tie. In Linden, he dressed down by sporting a Chicago Bulls cap, blending in better with the local clientele.
"Linden is a working-class community," Sarnicki said. "People are usually casually dressed walking the streets. ... He is trying to blend into the community, and that's probably why he was able to get away so easily."
After seeing pictures of the robber, a Greenwich cop who was off-duty the day of the heist there, recalled seeing the man. Based on what the officer saw, police now believe the robber was driving a silver sedan with New York plates that include the letters "AXN."
"I think the entire outfit really kind of sparked his interest," said Greenwich Police Lt. Kraig Gray. "At the time, he didn't realize that was a bank robbery suspect because he was off-duty in his private car."
Tellers at both banks said the man spoke with a Spanish accent. The FBI is helping Linden and Greenwich police with the case.
"The fact that he's threatening to use a gun, even though none was observed, does make him a dangerous individual." Sarnicki said.
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